“We are all totally united, and the atmosphere is good even after a week which has been quite difficult,” Arbeloa told a news conference.
“Some of us players have come out and denied this talk of supposed divisions or a bad atmosphere, and I do so again.”
What About the outspoken Mourinho of damaging the club’s image with his behaviour?
“Everyone at the club is united, not just from yesterday, but they have been for a long time,” said assistant coach Aitor Karanka.
“We are all working in the same direction. The coach was the first to dismiss this talk of a crisis.”
Ajax coach Frank De Boer said he was especially looking forward to the clash given his background as a former Barcelona player.
“Madrid is a great team, and to win, we must do very well,” the Dutchman said. “Mourinho is a great coach (but) he has made mistakes, and he knows that.”