In what became a chaotic scene after the game at Santiago Bernabéu, Brazilian striker Rodrygo broke out in anger after Real Madrid’s friendly against the RB Salzburg, directly criticizing coach Xavi for his limited game time. The game, a relatively routine preseason encounter, was completely eclipsed by the heated controversy that followed.
Rodrygo, replaced in the 67th minute, visibly showed his frustration on the bench before leaving the tunnel after the final beep. Minutes later, during the press conference, he released an unexpected verbal outburst that caught both the press and his teammates.
“Xavi is a lazy coach. I want to play more. I don’t understand his decisions anymore,” Rodrygo said without Rodeos to the cameras. His comments caused immediate murmurs in the press room and a visible discomfort between the club’s squad. According to sources close to the team, several veteran players were “shocked and disappointed” for Rodrygo’s public criticism.
What further aggravated the situation was the speed of Xavi’s response. Just five minutes after Rodrygo’s lit comments, the coach appeared serenity before the media and responded serenity and authority. Without raising the voice or showing anger signs, Xavi exposed three forceful and undeniable reasons for their replacement decisions.
“First,” Xavi began, “Rodrygo was recovering from a slight muscle fatigue detected by our medical staff, and only had authorization to play a few limited minutes.”
“Second,” he continued, “the tactical configuration in the first hour of the game was specifically designed to test our transition in the midfield; Rodrygo’s entrance was planned to maximize its impact on the last third of the field.”
“And third,” he concluded, “a player must win every minute in the field with attitude and professionalism, not with the right to everything.”
The room was silent. Even the most skeptical journalists recognized the precision and forcefulness of Xavi’s response. In a matter of minutes, social networks exploded with fans debating who was right. While some sympathized with Rodrygo’s hunger and passion, many others applauded Xavi’s serene authority and his reminder that no one, regardless of their status or talent, is above the team’s discipline.
Club sources later confirmed that Rodrygo met privately with Xavi after the press conference. Although no official statement on disciplinary measures has been issued, the club is managing the situation internally.
As the preseason progresses, all eyes will be placed in the next alignment and in Rodrygo’s behavior, both inside and outside the field. What was supposed to be a quiet summer match has revived the questions about internal tensions and leadership dynamics in one of the most watched clubs in football.
