The internal dynamics at Real Madrid are proving as challenging as any opponent on the pitch, with allegations of bullying and a toxic dressing room environment surfacing as potential factors in recent managerial instability and the struggles of young talent like Arda Guler. The situation, as described by those close to the player, suggests a deeply fractured squad where established stars wield significant power, potentially hindering the development of emerging players and contributing to a climate of discontent.
Serhat Pekmezci, the scout credited with discovering Guler, has publicly accused a faction of senior players of “mobbing” – a term used in Europe to describe workplace bullying – against the 20-year-old Turkish midfielder. While Guler hasn’t directly voiced complaints to Pekmezci, the scout claims the situation was predictable given the competitive and often ruthless nature of elite European football. “It’s not that he complained to me, but he knew this would happen,” Pekmezci stated, adding that he had warned Guler to expect such challenges.
The allegations extend beyond Guler’s individual experience, with Pekmezci suggesting this same player-driven dynamic played a role in the departure of former manager Xabi Alonso. Alonso, who took over after Carlo Ancelotti’s exit, was dismissed in January and Pekmezci believes the Basque manager was unable to navigate the internal power struggles within the squad. That’s why Xabi Alonso left too,
Pekmezci claimed, pointing to the egos
of certain players as a destabilizing force.
The current manager, Álvaro Arbeloa, appears to be facing similar difficulties. Despite taking the reins in an attempt to stabilize the team, the situation surrounding Guler hasn’t demonstrably improved. A recent incident during a Champions League defeat to Benfica highlighted the tension, with Guler visibly frustrated after being substituted. Cameras captured the player muttering to himself as he left the field, a clear indication of his dissatisfaction.
Guler’s arrival at Real Madrid in was met with considerable excitement, but he has struggled to secure a consistent starting position. Initially, this was attributed to injuries and the intense competition for places within the squad. However, Pekmezci insists the issue is more personal, alleging that established players are actively preventing Guler from integrating into the team. The anticipated transition from the era of veterans Toni Kroos and Luka Modric, which was expected to pave the way for Guler’s emergence, has instead been blocked by these senior figures.
The scout specifically points to players with very big egos
as being responsible for the stagnation of Guler’s development. According to Pekmezci, the problem isn’t a lack of ability on Guler’s part, but rather a deliberate refusal by established stars to accept him as a teammate and facilitate his growth within the team. This creates a challenging environment for any young player attempting to break into a star-studded lineup.
While the situation with Guler is particularly acute, it raises broader questions about the culture within the Real Madrid dressing room. The club’s reputation for attracting world-class talent also brings with it the potential for significant ego clashes and internal competition. Managing these dynamics effectively is crucial for any manager, and the departures of both Alonso and, previously, Ancelotti, suggest that Real Madrid may be struggling to strike the right balance.
Xabi Alonso himself addressed Guler’s struggles in December , acknowledging the need for continued development. He stated that Guler possesses the ability to have different heights, as well as different influences, depending on what the team needs.
However, Alonso’s comments came amidst a backdrop of ongoing injury concerns within the squad, forcing him to rely on players from the Castilla youth team, including Joan Martinez, who was praised for his readiness by Alonso and Álvaro Arbeloa.
Arbeloa, who is described as a close friend of Alonso, has been praised for fostering good communication between the first team and the youth setup. Álvaro (Arbeloa) is doing a very good job. All the players who come are ready in case we need them, as well as helping us a lot on a day-to-day basis, in training. And we work very well hand in hand,
Alonso said. However, this focus on integrating youth players may also be a consequence of the difficulties in relying on established stars, potentially exacerbating the existing tensions within the squad.
The situation at Real Madrid is complex and multifaceted. While injuries and competition for places are undoubtedly factors, the allegations of bullying and a toxic dressing room environment raise serious concerns about the club’s internal culture. The failure of two successive managers – Alonso and Ancelotti – to effectively manage these dynamics suggests that the problem runs deep and will require a concerted effort to address. The future success of players like Arda Guler, and indeed the club as a whole, may depend on the ability to foster a more inclusive and supportive environment within the Real Madrid squad.
