Alexander-Arnold's decision after Alvaro Arbeloa put him on the bench » “He was ashamed of what he did!”
Article by Daniel Scorpie – Published Monday, March 23, 2026 7:58 p.m. / Updated Monday, March 23, 2026 8:01 p.m.
Trent Alexander-Arnold (27 years old), the right back from Real Madrid, started the derby with Atletico Madrid (3-2) on the bench because he was late for one of the training sessions. The English international, introduced in the last half hour in place of captain Dani Carvajal, apologized to his teammates and coach Alvaro Arbeloa.
Alvaro Arbeloa brought the military down from the bridge at Real Madrid after being appointed in place of Xabi Alonso and instituted strict discipline in the squad. The Spanish coach did not take into account the name, nor the circumstances, and the first to pay for breaking the rules imposed in the dressing room is Trent Alexander-Arnold.
The England defender was late to a Galactico training session ahead of Sunday night's derby against Atletico at the Santiago Bernabeu, and Alvaro Arbeloa is not forgiving. So that, it was captain Dani Carvajal who entered the first eleven blanco, although Real Madrid were to use him in the starting line-up.
Alvaro Arbeloa (right), at a Real Madrid training session / Photo: GettyImages
Alexander-Arnold has played consistently at Real Madrid of late, even if the start of the adventure in Spain was marred by injury. The Englishman has 14 matches and three decisive assists this season in La Liga, the last assist being the one for Vinicius Junior, in the 3-2 goal.
The Spaniards revealed that Trent-Alexander also paid for what two Madrid stars had previously done. “Arbeloa had already warned the locker room a few days before about such situations.
“If everyone follows Trent's example and apologizes when they make mistakes, it will be much easier for Arbeloa to succeed”
Last week, Arda Guler and Kylian Mbappe arrived late to training ahead of the Manchester City game, and the coach made it clear to everyone that it will be the last time he closes his eyes!
The Turk and the French escaped punishment, but Arbeloa kept his word: Trent also arrived late this week, and Alvaro did not hesitate to leave him on the bench”, writes Defensa Central.
Dean Huijsen (right), together with Trent Alexander-Arnold / Photo: Imago
The same source revealed that “the former Liverpool defender felt embarrassed by the situation, which caused him to apologize to everyone, from first to last. It was an exemplary way to handle a mistake that he will try not to repeat. From now on, he will make punctuality one of his greatest qualities.”
Arbeloa used this opportunity to show that he is the boss of all players and must apply the rules without making distinctions. The move with Trent on the bench has worked perfectly for the coach, who now has both right-backs in the squad very motivated: “If everyone follows Trent's example and apologizes when they make a mistake, it will be much easier to get the project done.”
