A Real Madrid star believes Jude Bellingham is a big part of the problem at the club and has told Alvaro Arbeloa his concerns, according to a stunning report in Spain.
Real are enduring a tough campaign, which has seen Xabi Alonso depart following his appointment last summer.
The Spanish giants trail Barcelona in the La Liga and suffered a crushing 4-2 defeat to Benfica in the Champions League, resulting in a knockout phase play-off spot.
They failed to secure a top eight place, which would have seen them qualify automatically to the next round of the competition.
But Real slipped up in Portugal, losing 4-2 to Jose Mourinho's side, with goalkeeper Anatoliy Trubin scoring a dramatic goal to clinch a play-off spot, setting up a two-legged rematch against Arbeloa's team for a spot in the last-16.
Jude Bellingham speaks to Alvaro Arbeloa during Benfica vs. Real Madrid. Image: Getty
Jude Bellingham speaks to Alvaro Arbeloa during Benfica vs. Real Madrid. Image: Getty
After the game, Bellingham, who played the entire European fixture, was critical of his side's showing.
"It’s horrible to lose like this, in this manner," he said. "Running out of words for these games now, we’ll have to review it tomorrow and look at the goals we conceded and things like that but yeah... Not much to say right now, it’s still a bit raw. Don’t know what to think, but I don’t know.
"They won all the duels, ran harder, pressed better, landed on second balls, the basic things that we don’t do well. We have so much talent, and players that can produce magic out of nowhere, but if you don’t do the basic things, you’re going to get punished."
Thibaut Courtois, however, believes Bellingham's 'attitude cannot continue', with Spanish outlet Nacional claiming the veteran goalkeeper has asked Arbeloa to 'take action once and for all and set boundaries'.
Per the report, Courtois reckons the England international 'easily loses focus, doesn't contribute defensively and when he's not playing well offensively, he offers absolutely nothing to the team'.
Thibaut Courtois cuts a dejected figure after Real Madrid's defeat to Benfica in the Champions League. Image: Getty
Thibaut Courtois cuts a dejected figure after Real Madrid's defeat to Benfica in the Champions League. Image: Getty
The Spanish publication state it is starting to 'cause unrest' in the dressing room and Courtois reckons 'firm' sporting decisions are required from Arbeloa, who replaced Alonso.
The Belgium international wants Bellingham to be dropped if he doesn't perform.
An extract from Nacional's damning report read: "In his conversation with Arbeloa, Courtois was clear. This isn't a personal issue or a direct conflict with Bellingham, but a strictly professional matter. The Belgian understands that no one can consider themselves untouchable and that performance should determine the starting lineups. If Bellingham isn't working hard and committed, he should be benched."
SPORTbible has reached out to Real Madrid and Jude Bellingham's representatives for comment.