Madrid chief denies bust-up with Beckham

Real Madrid coach Juan Ramon Lopez Caro claims there is not a growing rift between himself and David Beckham.

Lopez Caro expressed surprise over reports the England captain had played in recent games despite being injured and the England captain was not in the starting line-up against Getafe on Sunday.

It was merely a tactical decision, the coach said on Madrid’s official website, realmadrid.com.

“Beckham has not played due to my decision,” he said after the 1-1 draw. “I always search for the best for the team and I make my line-ups.

“As far as I know, he wasn’t suffering from any injury. Of course I have no bitterness towards him, but I have to always get the best 11. I am aware that I can make a mistake, but I’ve tried to do the best thing for the team.”

Cicinho started in Beckham’s customary right-midfield position but Lopez Caro did bring Beckham into the game in the second half.