Press reports have revealed a controversial incident involving a Real Madrid star who refused to participate in the recent El Clásico against Barcelona, which ended in a 4-3 victory for the Catalan side in La Liga.
Tension and confusion are mounting within the Real Madrid camp, as the crisis deepens following a shocking Champions League exit at the hands of Arsenal, compounded by a Copa del Rey final defeat to Barcelona. These setbacks have left the team in a precarious position, particularly after another loss to their arch-rivals in Round 35 of La Liga—effectively ending their title ambitions.
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This series of disappointments has led the club’s management to take decisive action by dismissing head coach Carlo Ancelotti, a year before the end of his contract. Xabi Alonso is expected to take over as head coach, beginning with the Club World Cup, with an official announcement anticipated in the coming days.
Meanwhile, further controversy has erupted after reports from Marca claimed that Rodrygo Goes refused to take part in the recent El Clásico, citing a lack of physical and mental readiness. Speculation intensified when the player left a training session prematurely, reinforcing suspicions that he no longer wishes to feature for the team this season.
Sport also reported that Rodrygo may have feigned an injury to avoid playing, amid growing rumors of his desire to leave the club following a challenging campaign. The Brazilian winger is said to have attracted lucrative offers from Premier League clubs, and club president Florentino Pérez is reportedly open to selling the player if a suitable offer is made.
According to French outlet RMC, quoting Spain’s Radio Marca, Rodrygo’s absence from El Clásico was not due to injury or a tactical decision by the coach, but rather a personal choice made by the player himself. The decision reportedly stemmed from his frustration over his diminished role in the squad following the arrivals of Kylian Mbappé and Jude Bellingham—who have since become the focal points of media and fan attention in Madrid.
Sources indicate that Rodrygo’s relationships with several teammates have grown increasingly strained in recent weeks, driven by a decline in his psychological state. This has been aggravated by a growing sense of marginalization and exclusion from the starting lineup.
