Trent Alexander-Arnold was on the pitch from the start in both Champions League games against Manchester City. The former Liverpool star did the job, and there were many supporters who were stunned when Dan i Carvajal took the Englishman’s place in the city derby against Atletico Madrid on Sunday. The explanation should be simple and extra-sporting.
The decision to start Carvajal in particular was a big decision from Arbeloa, considering it was only the third start the Real Madrid captain has had since undergoing knee surgery in October. He lasted 64 minutes, was swapped for Trent – and the former Liverpool player ended up providing an assist for the winning goal, scored by Vinicius Junior.
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According to Marca , Trent was supposed to start against Atletico, but after turning up late for one of the training sessions late last week, he was punished by being removed from the starting line-up.
This is a completely new tactic at Real Madrid. Hansi Flick practices it relentlessly at Barcelona. This has been necessary at Real for a long time, with the dressing room filled with the mega-egos. Arbeloa has proven during his short time as Real coach that he is not afraid to make big decisions when necessary, here it is a coach who is aiming for the permanent job.
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