Real Madrid’s leading players including Pepe and Karim Benzema held showdown talks on Monday morning about how to improve results, according to reports.
Both Spanish dailies Marca and AS claimed the Los Blancos captains and leaders, including Iker Casillas, Sergio Ramos and Pepe had heated discussions in the aftermath of the team’s 1-0 loss against city rivals Atletico de Madrid. It was the first win for Los Colchoneros over Real in La Liga since 1999, and left Carlo Ancelotti’s men five points off the pace in the league.
According to reports, one of the main issues in the team was in fighting. The papers claimed the players at the meeting were particularly vocal about Pepe giving Benzema a dressing down while defending a set piece. Footage of the incident has gone viral and shows Pepe angrily telling the Frenchman he was shirking his defensive responsibilities.
Following the heated meeting, Pepe apologised to the rest of the squad and there are believed to be no long-term issues between the players. Carlo Ancelotti’s men now turn their attention to the Champions League, as they host FC Copenhagen at the Santiago Bernabeu on Wednesday night.
