Zinedine Zidane omits Marcelo from squad after argument about tactics
Marcelo is having a disastrous 2020-2021 campaign for Real Madrid, as he has been routinely singled out as a defensive liability by both big clubs, such as Chelsea, and lower-table sides in LaLiga, such as Getafe.
And now, Marcelo appears to be in even more hot water. Madridistas noticed that he was left out of the Matchday 36 squad against Granada, leaving only four available defenders for Zinedine Zidane to choose from. Since Marcelo took a knock this past weekend vs. Sevilla, it was reasonable to surmise that he could not play due to injury.
However, that is not the case.
According to a report from Goal.com’s Mario Cortegana, who is one of the most reliable Real Madrid reporters, Marcelo was left out of the squad by Zinedine Zidane after the two of them had an argument during training.
Marcelo is a great Real Madrid player in decline
The argument was reportedly about Zidane’s defensive tactics. Cortegana goes on to say that there are some senior members of the squad who have taken issue with Zidane’s tactics, though Cortegana points out Marcelo’s lack of minutes.
It seems as if that’s the real reason for the Brazilian left back’s frustrations. But the reality is that he should not be frustrated at Zidane for not playing him often. He should be frustrated with himself and come to grips with the reality that he is a player in physical decline who can no longer defend at the highest level for a club like Real Madrid.
For any Madridistas, hearing this news is a sad sight. The fans love Marcelo greatly and understand what he has done for the club. But to see him argue with the manager and fail to realize his own limitations is a step too far.
This incident brings the 33-year-old one step closer to the exit door. At least Isco isn’t trying to cause issues and isn’t a major liability. Marcelo, on the other hand, has apparently done something that made even Zidane say, “That’s enough.”
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It is a risk to omit him from the squad with so few available defenders. But, then again, is Marcelo really even a defender at this stage of his career? Or just one in name only?