Castilla squad fuming after Copa criticism as new boss takes charge
Real Madrid's youth team ready to prove critics wrong following Copa del Rey backlash, with former Juvenil A coach Julián López de Lerma making his debut against Mérida.
Real Madrid Castilla players have been counting down the hours to Sunday’s match against Mérida, determined to silence critics who blamed the youth system for the first team’s Copa del Rey exit.
Wounded pride drives response
The atmosphere in Castilla’s dressing room has been tense following widespread criticism of the academy players’ performances in the cup defeat. The squad has reportedly formed a pact to prove they deserve the opportunities they’ve been given when they face Mérida at the Di Stéfano Stadium (18:15 local time).
It’s not just three points at stake - it’s their honour and reputation.
Managerial musical chairs
It’s been a proper rollercoaster week for the reserve side. They lost their manager Álvaro Arbeloa, who was promoted to replace Xabi Alonso with the first team - a bittersweet situation for the young squad who were chuffed for their gaffer but gutted to lose a coach they had a special connection with.
The silver lining? Gaining an ally in the first team. While Xabi had disappointed many at La Fábrica by not giving youth players much of a look-in, Arbeloa immediately included seven academy products in his first squad, with two making his debut starting XI.
Arbeloa’s passionate defence
After the cup defeat, Arbeloa didn’t half stick up for his young guns when critics came calling. “I’ve read many criticisms of the academy and the academy players. You’ll find me standing against you,” the new first-team boss declared, making it crystal clear where his loyalties lie.
By then, the Castilla dressing room had already closed ranks. The criticism has left them proper narked, creating a siege mentality and determination to prove everyone wrong.
New gaffer in the hot seat
Julián López de Lerma, promoted from Juvenil A, now faces the challenge of channelling this desire for sporting revenge productively. He arrives with impressive credentials, having made a significant impact at La Fábrica since joining last season. He inherits a team currently sitting in the promotion playoff positions.
For Sunday’s match, he’ll likely welcome back several players who’ve been with the first team recently:
- Manuel Ángel
- Joan Martínez
- Cestero
- Palacios
- Fran
- David Jiménez
Álvaro Ginés returns from injury, while new signing Adrián Arnu (on loan from Valladolid Promesas) isn’t yet available as paperwork finalisation continues.