4. Clashes In The Dressing Room & Threats Of A Player Revolt
In the wake of a damaging defeat to runaway La Liga leaders Barcelona in the Copa Del Rey last month, rumours surfaced of a heated bust-up between manager Jose Mourinho and two of his key players - vice captain Sergio Ramos and captain Iker Casillas. The Portuguese
was reportedly unhappy with comments made by the duo to the press, in particular to Marca, whom Mourinho claims "protect and give favour to" the Spanish players in the team. He also accused Ramos of poor defending in the build up to a Barca goal and drew the ire of the Spanish defensive duo who retaliated with barbed comments of their own. Reports also surfaced that the duo were plotting a revolt in the dressing room as part of a crusade to force Mourinho out of the club, though this
was later denied. Even so, all these distracting influences off the pitch is only serving to derail Madrid's quest for glory, and an unhappy and destabilised dressing room rarely wins silverware.