Isco ruffling feathers at Real Madrid results in being sidelined

Real Madrid midfielder Isco was kept off the pitch and bench during yesterday’s match against Roma. His absence has caused plenty of rumors to surface from questions about his match fitness to a falling out with Santiago Solar. But what really happened?

Isco no doubt is a hot talent in the football world tipped to be the next Iniesta or David Silva he has garnered plenty of attention. With Malaga, he carried his team to the semi-finals at just 21 years old. Putting his name on the map in bold writing Real Madrid signed him back in 2013 for a mere £27.00 million.

The midfielder hasn’t always had an easy go at Real Madrid. Competition from other players like James Rodriguez saw him relegated to the bench, while some managers were not keen on the attacking midfielder.

With the appointment of Julen Lopetegui, it was evident that he would be a first team player more often than not. Julen worked with Isco as he was the manager of the Spanish National Team. The two became close with time and Isco had also spoken about how he enjoyed working with him over Zidane last season.

Since the arrival of Solari, Isco struggled to pick up minutes. Isco has been seen training with the rest of the team ruling out any speculation that he may have been reinjured or still not match fit. When Real Madrid announced the squad list that would travel to Roma Isco was included, the likelihood of his participation seemed high.

As per convention, Madrid released their starting XI a few hours before kickoff. On it are also the substitutions, which Isco was not included in. If he were not to play at all that would be one thing, but to not make the bench is completely out of left field. 

Santiago Solari was asked to explain the rationale behind the decision and responded by calling it a “sporting decision”. Since the Argentine manager arrived only Federico Valverde has played few minutes despite returning from injury over a month ago.

After the match, Isco is rumored to have said that there was “nothing physical” in terms of an injury as to why he may have been left out of the match.

Marcelo spoke with Real Madrid TV after the match against Roma and when asked about the situation with Isco he responded wisely. The vice-captain mentioned that he is ” …not the one to give advice, we are older, we are parents, we know what we have to do,”.

The wingback wanted to make his point clear in saying that “I’m not saying Isco hasn’t worked, but football is like that and you have to see what you’re failing at and improve.”

This isn’t the first time Isco has been shunned by a manager and certainly won’t be the most. There is also no doubt that he can turn things around as he has done plenty of times during his time at Real Madrid.

Being sidelined is no good omen especially considering that the midfielder is yet again being linked with a move to both Barcelona and Manchester City. Isco could get a chance at some minutes this Saturday as Real Madrid take on Valencia on Matchday 13 of La Liga.

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