Real Madrid: Should we be worried about Isco vs. Santiago Solari?
By Hasan Karim
It has become a running story so far this season and continues to see chapters added. The continued alleged feud between Isco and Solari is quickly becoming one of the biggest talking points at the club.
Everyone from club captain, Sergio Ramos, to former players like Van Der Vaart and pundits alike have all discussed it in some form.
The tension continued in this weeks Copa Del Rey game, a 1-0 loss against Leganes. Despite being given a rare start by his coach, Isco was withdrawn at the 67th minute. That was not the only surprise – as the player came off, there was no exchange between the player and manager.
Not even a handshake or gesture, however, when Lucas Vasquez came off – he was warmly greeted by the Argentine, does this further show that this is not just a simple case of a player being out of favor?
To understand the problem, we ought to look back over the course of the season. Starting at Madrid’s loss to Eibar earlier in the season. This was the opening incident that caught the media’s eye. Left out of the starting XI, he was thrown on when Real Madrid was 3-0 down already and couldn’t do much effect the game. Following the game was when the issues began as it was reported that Isco made a gesture on the team bus about Solari’s tactics and also his training methods.
Following this, we move onto the Roma game in the UEFA Champions League. Isco was left to watch the game from the stands in Italy as rumors sounded out that he was injured however, the player himself denied this claim which further stoked the already building fire.
The latest big blow was the FIFA Club World Cup where Isco played a grand total of zero minutes. Despite his team winning the competition, he was not called upon once. There were a few instances during the games, Sergio Ramos and his emphatic celebration with Isco raised some eyebrows as did Isco leaving the trophy celebrations before their conclusion, clearly the player is unhappy.
Another telling sign of Solari’s lack of faith in Isco is his continual habit of fielding the star in games that simply do not have any meaning. The second leg against Melilla that was already won 4-0 in the first, the CSKA Moscow home loss in the UCL – when he was booed by the fans and the recent Copa Del Rey game against Leganes where Madrid was 3-0 up from the first leg.
Perhaps the most interesting incident between the two was when Solari completely changed the system against Real Betis which led many fans to believe he did it to actively avoid using Isco.
Whatever the issue – it is clear it is a complex matter. Is Solari trying to make an example of him? Does he just not like the player? Does Isco have an attitude issue? It certainly is a scenario of many questions and few answers.
It is, however, different from times previously where Isco has battled back. Under Zidane, he won the coach over and became integral, but he was given that chance in important moments. Under Solari? It doesn’t seem he has the time of day for Isco.
Next. Copa Del Rey: Three takeaways from Real Madrid’s second leg loss to Leganés. dark
The scenario could very well take different turns. Isco could choose to leave – he has interest from elsewhere or he could wait it out and see if Solari gets sacked if his downward spiral in performances continues.
As fans however, there certainly should be some concern. Not only will this affect the two involved but it could also have ramifications on the squad harmony, something nobody wants going into the business end of the season.