Thibaut Courtois, Bellingham, Rüdiger: the managers’ claim after the failure

The fallout from Real Madrid’s shocking Champions League exit at the hands of Arsenal has shaken the very foundation of the club. In what should have been another chapter in the club’s rich European history, the quarter-final tie instead exposed internal fractures and sowed doubt about the club’s direction under Carlo Ancelotti.

According to Spanish outlet Relevo, key figures in the dressing room—namely Thibaut Courtois, Jude Bellingham, and Antonio Rüdiger—reportedly voiced their deep frustration directly to club president Florentino Pérez. The mood among the squad the day after the elimination was one of bitter disappointment and growing disillusionment.

Real Madrid, who were expected to overturn a 3-0 deficit from the first leg in London, failed to rise to the occasion in front of their home crowd at the Santiago Bernabéu. Despite managing a 1-2 result in the second leg, the overall 4-1 aggregate loss was a harsh reality check for a club synonymous with European dominance.

For months, Ancelotti had commanded the full support of his dressing room. Players praised his calm demeanor, tactical flexibility, and man-management skills. But things appear to have changed dramatically in the wake of the Arsenal defeat. The same unity that once defined this team is now giving way to frustration, internal criticism, and mistrust.

Arsenal, led by Mikel Arteta, delivered a tactical masterclass. They pressed high when needed, sat compact when under pressure, and exploited Madrid’s disorganization ruthlessly. The Gunners looked like the better-prepared, more disciplined side over both legs, prompting many to question whether Ancelotti had been tactically outclassed.

Reports suggest Courtois and Bellingham were among those who confronted Pérez to share their concerns. Courtois, a senior voice in the dressing room despite missing most of the season through injury, reportedly expressed doubts over Ancelotti’s match preparation and in-game decision-making. His concerns were echoed by Bellingham, who has quickly become one of Madrid’s emotional and technical leaders on the pitch.

Antonio Rüdiger, always known for his vocal presence and leadership qualities, was also said to be disappointed with the tactical confusion during both legs. According to those close to the situation, the players felt the team had no clear strategy to counter Arsenal’s pressing and positional control.

One of the biggest criticisms emerging from the squad was the lack of tactical clarity. Players allegedly felt that motivation and intensity alone—Ancelotti’s usual go-to elements—were not enough to compete at this level. Against an elite side like Arsenal, there needed to be detailed preparation and adaptability, both of which were sorely missing.

Florentino Pérez, aware of the delicate dynamics in the dressing room, is believed to have held private discussions with several senior players to gauge the mood. The president is no stranger to managing crises, but this one may force him into making difficult decisions ahead of the Club World Cup later this year.

Crucially, the fracture between the players and Ancelotti doesn’t appear to be personal—it’s tactical. The players still hold deep respect for the Italian, but many reportedly believe his ideas have grown stale. After a string of disappointing results—three defeats and one draw in five matches—the belief in his methods is beginning to fade.

In his post-match press conference, Ancelotti remained defiant. He insisted the team showed effort and character, and that losing to a strong Arsenal side was not a reason to panic. But inside Valdebebas, the mood is anything but calm. Even Ancelotti’s own words from earlier in the season—”As long as Florentino is calm, I don’t care about the rest”—have come back to haunt him.

The tension is further compounded by the growing debate over Real Madrid’s reliance on big-name stars and their hesitancy to fully embrace younger talent. While Barcelona have boldly handed the reins to 16-year-old Lamine Yamal, Madrid’s highly rated prospects like Arda Güler and Endrick continue to warm the bench in key matches.

This refusal to integrate youth, along with predictable tactics and a lack of modern strategic evolution, is creating a growing divide between the old guard and the next generation at the club.

According to insiders, there is now genuine speculation about whether Ancelotti will continue beyond this season. While nothing has been officially confirmed, several board members are reportedly pushing for change before the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup.

The next few weeks will be pivotal. If Ancelotti can stabilize the dressing room and guide Madrid to a La Liga title, he may yet earn a chance to end his tenure on a high note. But if the internal unrest continues to grow, the Italian legend could find himself pushed out before his legacy is further tarnished.

Florentino Pérez has always been a president unafraid of big decisions. With murmurs growing in both the media and the locker room, he may be preparing for another era-defining coaching change.

For now, the Bernabéu is cloaked in silence. Not just because of defeat—but because the leaders of this great club have begun to question whether they’re still on the right path. And that may be the most dangerous outcome of all.