Real Madrid have reportedly been hit by another dressing-room dispute, with two unnamed players said to have come to blows in recent weeks.
According to Spanish radio station Cadena SER, the situation inside the squad remains tense despite José Mourinho taking charge of the club this summer. Journalist Antón Meana reportedly described the atmosphere as still “cold” and claimed that the latest incident involved two players whose identities have not been revealed.
The latest report comes just months after Aurélien Tchouaméni and Federico Valverde were involved in a highly publicised dressing-room altercation at the club’s Valdebebas training ground. Valverde suffered a head injury during the incident and was taken to hospital, while Real Madrid opened disciplinary proceedings against both players.
The renewed reports will raise further questions about the harmony within Mourinho’s squad, particularly with Real Madrid preparing for a demanding run of fixtures.
Meana claimed the problems that affected the dressing room during the previous season have not disappeared, despite changes in the coaching staff. The journalist also suggested that the squad had struggled to establish positive relationships with both Xabi Alonso and Álvaro Arbeloa before Mourinho’s arrival.
Real Madrid are scheduled to return to La Liga action against Villarreal on Saturday, before facing a busy period that includes meetings with Roma, Sevilla, RB Leipzig and Barcelona.