Real Madrid dressing-room tensions persist despite Jose Mourinho appointment

Real Madrid’s dressing-room problems have continued despite the arrival of Jose Mourinho as manager this summer, with a report in Spain claiming relations within the squad remain strained.

The club return to La Liga action on Saturday, when they host Villarreal following an international break of about three weeks. Real Madrid lost 2-1 to Atletico Madrid in their previous league match.

A demanding October schedule awaits, with Roma due to visit before Real Madrid host Sevilla and Leipzig. They will then travel to face Barcelona in the La Liga Clasico on 25 October.

According to journalist Anton Meana, speaking on the El Larguero programme, the atmosphere among the players remains “far from reassuring”. He said the tension and disagreements that emerged last season had not been resolved.

“The only problem is that I still see the dressing room as cold as it was five months ago,” Meana said, according to French outlet RMC.

Reported confrontation between players

Meana claimed Mourinho had so far been unable to change the dynamic involving a group of players whose relationships with Xabi Alonso and Alvaro Arbeloa had already been poor during the previous period.

The situation had reportedly escalated into a confrontation between two players, although their identities were not disclosed.

Meana added that the cold atmosphere inside the squad had continued despite Mourinho’s strong personality. The issue has coincided with wider controversy surrounding Kylian Mbappe, creating a tense backdrop before a crucial month for Real Madrid.

Mbappe returned to group training with Real Madrid on Wednesday for the first time since suffering an injury while playing for France against Turkey.

Cadena SER reported that the forward’s physical condition had improved significantly and that he was available to face Villarreal. Mourinho could therefore select him in the starting line-up.

Mbappe controversy

Mbappe attracted attention during the international break after being seen at a nightclub and later posting a video of himself riding a bicycle while recovering from the injury.

However, sources inside Real Madrid told the Spanish radio station that there was no discontent at the club towards the player. The club’s management believes Mbappe acted in accordance with the arrangements agreed for his recovery.

Cadena SER also reported that Mourinho had spoken to Mbappe during the week in an attempt to encourage greater caution and calm in his life away from football.

Real Madrid does not expect Mbappe to be booed by supporters at Santiago Bernabeu during the Villarreal match. The club has also reiterated its support for both the player and Mourinho as they deal with the controversy surrounding him.