Open Thread: 20 May 2026

Shoutout to the mods who do a fantastic job, Ezek, Valyrian Steel, Kung_Fu_Zizou, Juninho, NeRObutBlanco and yours truly, Felipejack. Two Valverdes? French journalist Pablo Gayicho wrote: “The general feeling about Valverde within […]

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Shoutout to the mods who do a fantastic job, Ezek, Valyrian Steel , Kung_Fu_Zizou , Juninho , NeRObutBlanco and yours truly, Felipejack . Two Valverdes? French journalist Pablo Gayicho wrote: “The general feeling about Valverde within the team is astonishment because he has two faces, one he presents to the media by portraying himself as the loyal player who works for the team, and another during training and through his behavior within the team group..

” It was expected of a big player alongside legends like Kroos and Modrić and Benzema to possess leadership qualities, whereas what emerged was a player who shows arrogance in his dealings with the young players and also the technical staff—one of the many examples was his problems with members of Xabi Alonso’s staff, and at times he would not listen to their instructions (he considers himself a better player and not in need of guidance from the Spanish coach’s staff).. In addition to this, his mockery of a number of his teammates within the group and his arrogant treatment of the team’s youth, while he is supposed to be a leader.. ” “This is why reports emerged saying that many people within Real Madrid are not surprised by what happened in the end with Tchouaméni, because his style had been the subject of widespread criticism throughout the year and the season..