Key Takeaways:
- The Real Madrid hierarchy have communicated concerns through the media about Alvaro Arbeloa’s rotation of player positions
- Eduardo Camavinga was deployed at left-back against Rayo Vallecano last week despite the availability of Fran Garcia and Alvaro Carreras on the bench
- President Florentino Perez intervened to prevent Fran Garcia’s loan move to Bournemouth, citing the need for left-back cover amid Ferland Mendy’s ongoing fitness problems
Club Leadership Question Arbeloa’s Selection Strategy
Alvaro Arbeloa, newly appointed as Real Madrid’s manager at the Santiago Bernabeu, has rapidly endeared himself to the club’s leadership by vocalising the significance of his managerial role and defending Florentino Perez against criticism. He has also made concerted efforts to bond with key players, notably offering significant praise to Vinicius Junior. Nonetheless, reports suggest he is yet to fully convince the squad that he is the long-term managerial solution.
However, boardroom sentiment appears to have shifted following mounting concerns regarding Arbeloa’s tactical decisions. According to information published by Cadena Cope, the club hierarchy have made it known they are dissatisfied with Arbeloa’s frequent adjustments of player positions – specifically among star individuals – as well as his preference for fielding players out of their natural roles.
💥 Informa @miguelitocope, sobre la situación del Real Madrid
🤨 "En el club no se ve bien que los jugadores cambien tanto de posición"
🤔 "Que el otro día, con 2 laterales izquierdos, jugara Camavinga…"
✋ "Florentino paró la salida de Fran García"
📻 #PartidazoCOPE pic.twitter.com/InDJ1bkjQc
— El Partidazo de COPE (@partidazocope) February 4, 2026
Camavinga’s Deployment Raises Questions
The decision to assign Eduardo Camavinga the left-back position against Rayo Vallecano last week has been singled out as particularly contentious. Both Fran Garcia and Alvaro Carreras, who specialise in the role, remained on the bench throughout the fixture.
| Player | Natural Position | Position Played vs Rayo Vallecano | Available on Bench |
|---|---|---|---|
| Eduardo Camavinga | Midfielder | Left-back | No |
| Fran Garcia | Left-back | Did not play | Yes |
| Alvaro Carreras | Left-back | Did not play | Yes |
Perez Blocks Loan Exit for Defensive Cover
Further complexity arose after Fran Garcia was reportedly on the verge of joining Bournemouth on loan until the end of the season, having already bid farewell to his teammates last Friday. However, Florentino Perez personally intervened to cancel the transfer.
Perez’ rationale centres on the possibility that, should Alvaro Carreras face suspension and with Ferland Mendy still contending with fitness issues, Garcia could be the only dedicated left-back available for crucial Champions League fixtures.
