David Beckham, who hasn’t kicked a ball for Real Madrid since announcing his decision to move to MLS and the Los Angeles Galaxy once his contract expires this summer, continues to be the central figure of internal politics at the Madrid club. Spanish league pundits, former coach Vicente Del Bosque and Real Madrid’s own players believe Beckham’s ostracism by Coach Fabio Capello has become a symbol for the discord in the Madrid locker room.
On Tuesday, team captain Guti publicly called Beckham a “friend” and “a great player” who “deserves the utmost respect from everyone” regarding his decision to move to MLS. During a news conference, the central midfielder said his Real teammates, “would all like to see him not only training with us but playing as well. We want every player to participate, especially ones as important as David.”
On the day after Capello answered calls for Becks’ return with “Beckham doesn’t do anything for me,” the team’s board told the fiery Real coach that in light of recent results, all players on the team’s roster must be considered for games. He was told he can keep his job for now, but results must improve. Real has lost five of its last eight league matches. If the Merengues lose at Real Sociedad on Saturday, the board may call on Del Bosque to take over on an interim basis until the end of the season.