Raul Albiol has reflected that there was tension between Jose Mourinho and certain players at Real Madrid, and on Alvaro Arbeloa’s recent sentiments.
The Portuguese has left the Santiago Bernabeu after a difficult and trophyless third season in charge hit with persistent rumours of infighting.
“It is clear that there was not a good atmosphere between some of the players and the Coach,” Albiol told Onda Cero this week.
“It was not the best of feelings. Of course we always spoke with respect. There has been at no time any disrespect to anyone.
“Has this been the most difficult dressing room of my career? At Valencia I experienced tougher moments.
“The year with Ronald Koeman was very complicated, with players set apart and everything.
“This may have been similar. Yes it has been a difficult year. You always want to have a good atmosphere.
“You want that the Coach has good vibes with the players, with major players like Iker and Cristiano. It was not easy for the problems we had in recent months.”
Alibiol’s teammate Alvaro Arbeloa this week defended Mourinho’s work and also suggested that Iker Casillas’ omission from the team should not have caused so much controversy.
“I do not have an issue with Alvaro’s statements because I know how Alvaro is. We’ve been together for a long time and there is no reason to think he is angry.
“Some teammates may have taken his words badly, perhaps he spoke in a moment of heat. We have to understand.
“If there are any issues between teammates then they will have to be fixed. I think we should talk things out.
“If you have to sit the two of them down – Iker and Arbeloa – or everyone together, we must try to move on and forgive, rather than think it is something serious, that is unforgivable.
“I do not know if there is bad blood between them, but if there is, we would like to find a solution to it.”
There has been another rumour in recent weeks that Arbeloa and Xabi Alonso are unpopular amongst their teammates at Madrid and with the Spanish national team.
“Are there sides to the dressing room? No, we all ate together. One table had all the captains, Casillas and Ramos, and another had Alonso, Arbeloa, Adan, me…but that Xabi and Arbeloa were on one side of the table against everyone else, that is not true.”
