Trent Alexander-Arnold's team-mate blasts Real Madrid boss Xabi Alonso after being subbed

There are issues behind the scenes at Trent Alexander-Arnold’s new club after Rodrygo appeared to let rip at Real Madrid boss Xabi Alonso. On the face of it, Los Blancos have made a solid start to the season, with two La Liga wins from two and no goals conceded.

At Real Oviedo on Sunday, Alexander-Arnold was dropped to the bench to underline the abundance of quality options available to new boss Alonso. Real went to secure a 3-0 victory thanks to a brace from Kylian Mbappe and an added-time strike from Vinicius Jr.

While there were no complaints from the former Liverpool full-back, who replaced Dani Carvajal late on, another star of the squad in Rodrygo was spotted fuming at being replaced by Vinicius just past the hour mark. After taking his seat on the bench, the Brazilian was seen throwing the training top he’d just been handed to the ground and unleashing a foul-mouthed rant.

READ MORE: Trent Alexander-Arnold: What's happened to ex-Liverpool defender after axe warning

READ MORE: Liverpool transfer target Rodrygo's telling reaction after being taken off by Real Madrid

A Spanish lip reader known as Velloso said on his X account: “From what I can see, he's saying, ‘F***! S***. Every match is the same. F***!’”

The outburst was perhaps a result of his lack of game time for both club and country. Rodrygo started just one game at the Club World Cup in the US and didn’t even get on the pitch during their 4-0 semi-final defeat to Paris Saint-Germain. He was then an unused substitute in Real’s season-opener, a 1-0 victory over Osasuna.

To add to his frustration, Rodrygo was recently left out of Brazil's squad for the latest round of World Cup qualifiers by boss Carlo Ancelotti, Alonso’s predecessor at the Santiago Bernabeu. The current Real manager addressed his decision to substitute Rodrygo after the Oviedo game, saying: “We've put the World Cup behind us and this season counts.

“I'm counting on Rodrygo; it's only one match, and we shouldn't read too much into it. In a few months, I'll be able to answer with more certainty, but today it was down to the circumstances of the match and my decisions.”

But amid increased competition from Argentine wonderkid Franco Mastantuono, 18, a summer signing from River Plate, Rodrygo faces a fight for his place. That could lead to the 24-year-old seeking a move away from the Spanish capital, with Arsenal, Manchester City, Liverpool and Bayern Munich among the clubs being linked with the player.

He's valued at around £86million. With the transfer window closing on Monday, it will be intriguing to see whether Rodrygo is involved in Saturday night's home clash with Mallorca.

Meanwhile, while Alexander-Arnold certainly won't be sounding off like Rodrygo, Alonso has hinted he may have to accept starting on the bench at times. Following the Oviedo game, Alonso sang the praises of fellow full-back Carvajal, 33, saying the veteran deserves to return to the Spain squad.

Alonso said: “I'm very happy that he's regaining his confidence after such a long injury. At the Club World Cup, he was in the mood, but he needed more time.

“And he still does, but today he played 85 minutes very much in the Carvajal style. Competing well, communicating and taking that leadership role. Bringing a lot of sense to everything. Hopefully he'll go and, if not, he'll go soon.”

Join our new WhatsApp community and receive your daily dose of Mirror Football content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.