Kylian Mbappe in training-ground row as Real Madrid tensions rise before El Clasico

Tensions are rising behind the scenes at Real Madrid.

Flashpoints involving senior players, including Kylian Mbappe, have further upset the atmosphere since last month's Champions League elimination by Bayern Munich - and continue to affect the team's preparations for a decisive Clasico on Sunday.

The first incident came when Antonio Rudiger was involved in a heated argument with another first-team player in the dressing rooms at Real Madrid's training ground in April.

Details of what happened were confirmed to The Athletic by several sources who said the confrontation was instigated by Rudiger. The 33-year-old Germany international later apologised for his actions, and this past Friday, he invited his team-mates and their families to lunch.

Following that, there was another dispute - this time between Mbappe and a member of Real Madrid's coaching staff - before the trip to play Real Betis on April 24.

Mbappe was involved in a flare-up with a coach during a training exercise. Sources said the Frenchman spoke angrily and in insulting terms towards the member of staff, who was acting as an assistant referee on the sidelines of the match and had called him offside.

Such cases are not uncommon in elite football, and there is no suggestion Rudiger or Mbappe has faced any internal punishment. However, the incidents have contributed to a worsening of the mood around Madrid and should also be considered notable for that reason.

Here, Mario Cortegana and Guillermo Rai explain more in this week's edition of Inside Real Madrid. It reflects multiple conversations with various sources at the Spanish club, all of whom spoke anonymously to protect relationships. Real Madrid were approached for comment for this article - as were Rudiger and Mbappe's representatives.

Why is Mbappe a controversial figure right now?

Mbappe's conduct did not go down well with many around Madrid. In conversation with The Athletic, several people at the club and close to it (including staff members and representatives of other players) criticised the player, as well as Madrid, for not taking a firmer stance.

Beyond the incident with the coach in training last month, the 27-year-old Frenchman has also been criticised internally over a trip to Italy with his partner.

Mbappe is recovering from the hamstring injury he suffered in that game at Betis on April 24 and was given some days off last week. He arrived back in the Spanish capital on Sunday evening, shortly before kick-off in Madrid's away match at Espanyol, where Vinicius Jr's two goals settled a 2-0 win.

Many supporters thought Mbappe should not have taken a break with the team going through a difficult time. It has become a hot topic. In his post-match press conference, Arbeloa was asked about him on three occasions.

"In their free time, each player does what they see fit, and I don't get involved in that," the 43-year-old manager said.

"All planning regarding injured players is supervised and managed by Madrid's medical staff, who are the ones who decide when they need to go to Valdebebas (the club's training centre) and when they don't."

Arbeloa's intention was to remove himself from responsibility over the situation. However, a well-placed source later told The Athletic that the coach is not happy with the way the case has been managed by the club.

On Tuesday morning, Mbappe's representatives replied to The Athletic's request for comment on his training-ground dispute and the atmosphere at Madrid with the following statement: "A portion of the criticism is based on an over-interpretation of elements related to a recovery period strictly supervised by the club, and does not reflect the reality of Kylian's commitment and daily work for the team."

Attention is now on whether Mbappe, Madrid's top scorer with 41 goals from as many games in all competitions this term, will be available for El Clasico against Barca at the Camp Nou on Sunday.

"We'll see how Mbappe is this week," Arbeloa added in his post-match press conference on Sunday night. "After last week's tests, it looked as though it might take a bit longer."

When asked about the striker's availability on Monday, a training ground source said: "Only he knows it." Another club source said he will be assessed again on Wednesday.

How bad is the atmosphere at Madrid?

It's bad. These incidents involving Rudiger and Mbappe are the flashpoints, but conversations with sources reflect a worrying mood around the first team generally. There is little sign of togetherness ahead of Sunday's match with Barcelona, in which Hansi Flick's side only need a draw to be crowned champions.

Instead, a combination of internal disputes, instability around Alvaro Arbeloa's position and the fact that several players are facing an uncertain future means the picture is one of discord and despondency.

The overall impression is that several first-team players are unhappy, and that the situation has been brewing for some time

Managing the dressing room at Real Madrid has always been a big challenge. Now, Arbeloa is having to deal with it while operating under the widely held expectation that he will not be in charge next season.

What did we learn from Sunday's win at Espanyol?

Madrid's first-half performance was far from inspiring. The team looked flat for much of the game, but ended up taking three points in a 2-0 victory thanks to two brilliant goals from Vinicius Jr after the break.

Vinicius Jr has now scored 16 goals in 2026, a tally surpassed only by Bayern Munich's Harry Kane (24) in Europe's top five leagues. The Brazilian had scored just six goals in 27 appearances under Alonso, a fact highlighted by those closest to him.

There was also a much commented scene on the Madrid bench.

In the 11th minute, Ferland Mendy was taken off injured, with Fran Garcia coming on to replace him. Spanish TV cameras caught Alvaro Carreras laughing in reaction. That Carreras was again overlooked (he has been an unused substitute in three of Madrid's past four matches) has stimulated debate among supporters.

The €50million (£43.2m; $58.5m) summer signing from Benfica (who Madrid let go for free to Manchester United in 2020), has seen his playing time reduced since Arbeloa replaced Xabi Alonso in January, and there has also been tension between Carreras and Arbeloa in recent weeks.

Sources among Madrid's coaching staff have complained about the 23-year-old's attitude and professionalism. Those close to the player reject the criticisms.

What else should we look out for this week?

Everyone will be attentive to any developments regarding Madrid's next coach.

Last week, The Athletic reported that president Florentino Perez's favourite candidate to replace Arbeloa is Benfica coach Jose Mourinho, who managed Madrid from 2010 to 2013. However, it is still unclear what the club's final decision will be.

There was a further sign of Madrid laying the foundations for a new project in the talks held with Toni Kroos over a return to the Bernabeu, in a new role yet to be fully determined.

Meanwhile, Thibaut Courtois is another player being closely monitored from a fitness perspective. The 33-year-old Belgian goalkeeper has been missing since suffering a thigh injury in the Champions League last-16 second leg victory over Manchester City on March 16. Madrid are hopeful he will be able to return for Sunday's La Liga game at Barca.

As for Mendy, Madrid sources say the muscular injury he suffered on Sunday may require surgery. Further tests await the 30-year-old full-back, who has suffered several serious fitness problems in recent years.

This article originally appeared in The Athletic.

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