Alvaro Carreras was a major bet made by Real Madrid in the summer last year as they signed the former La Fabrica talent from SL Benfica for a fee of €50 million.
The 23-year-old left-back instantly became a permanent fixture in the starting XI under former manager Alvaro Arbeloa, enjoying a strong start to life back at the Santiago Bernabeu.
However, with time, Carreras’ performances declined, inconsistencies crept up in his game, and mistakes started happening on the field.
His significance in the team has been waning since Alvaro Arbeloa took over. So much so that the left-back lost his undisputed starter status in the team, with Ferland Mendy (when fit) and Fran Garcia pushing for more opportunities.
Concerns about Carreras
Now, according to The Athletic, members of the Real Madrid coaching staff have complained about Carreras’ ‘attitude and professionalism’.
This comes after the Spanish left-back was seen smiling on the bench after Mendy’s injury against Espanyol last weekend, with Arbeloa opting to replace the Frenchman with Garcia.
Real Madrid coaching staff not happy with Carreras. (Photo by Florencia Tan Jun/Getty Images)
In fact, Carreras has been an unused substitute in three of Real Madrid’s last four games, suggesting how he has dropped down the pecking order.
There have been talks of some tension between the player and Arbeloa himself, but there is some concern within the coaching staff regarding the left-back’s attitude.
The player’s camp, however, dismissed those claims and criticisms surrounding his professionalism.
So far this season, Carreras has played 38 matches across all competitions, scoring and assisting two goals apiece.
With Mendy ruled out for the remainder of the season, it remains to be seen if he gets another opportunity to turn things around or whether Arbeloa opts to continue backing Fran Garcia instead.
