David Alaba has reportedly opened a new front in Real Madrid’s dressing room at a pivotal point of the season.
Alaba Frustrated by Reduced Role
The Austrian center-back is said to be unhappy with the secondary role he has been assigned and has requested direct explanations from coach Alvaro Arbeloa.
Arbeloa now faces the challenge of maintaining internal stability. Having already addressed other sources of discontent, he must now manage the dissatisfaction of one of the squad’s most experienced players.
Disagreement Over Playing Time
According to Sport, Alaba believes he deserves a more prominent role, arguing that his career merits more minutes on the pitch. Arbeloa, however, prioritizes current form and physical consistency—factors that have limited the Austrian international in recent seasons.
Over the last 11 call-ups, Alaba has played just 65 minutes across five matches, highlighting his restricted involvement. While his frustration may not reach the intensity of some of the club’s historic conflicts, it still represents a new source of tension in the locker room.
Injury Woes Have Hindered Career
Alaba’s recent years have been plagued by injuries. Since the 2021/22 season, he has suffered 16 separate injuries, missing a total of 677 days and 129 matches for Real Madrid and Austria combined.
The most severe was an anterior cruciate ligament rupture in the 2023/24 season, which kept him out for 384 days and cost him 72 official matches.
This combination of limited playing time and injury setbacks is fueling the veteran’s discontent at the Santiago Bernabéu.