Coach Alvaro Arbeloa recently disputed that view. "He has started several matches, including some of the most demanding fixtures, such as against Atlético Madrid. He's doing well; I couldn't be happier with his performances. He's a key player for us, both on and off the pitch." Nonetheless, his 20 appearances—some curtailed by injury—add up to only 885 minutes, a tally that hardly reflects a first-choice status.
Rumours suggest his relationship with Carvajal is strained, as it is with several other players. Nevertheless, the coach's future appears uncertain after a likely trophy-less campaign, and the club is already searching for his replacement. President Florentino Pérez is reported to favour José Mourinho for the role. Under a new coach, Carvajal's prospects could be reshuffled.