Jude Bellingham has dismissed reports of a training ground clash with team-mate Antonio Rudiger ahead of Real Madrid's crucial Champions League quarter-final second leg against Arsenal.
The England midfielder was reportedly involved in an "ugly" confrontation during a training session on Friday.
Speaking at Tuesday's pre-match press conference, Bellingham rubbished claims of unrest within the squad as they prepare to overturn a 3-0 deficit at the Bernabeu on Wednesday night.
The 21-year-old insisted the team remains united despite the challenge ahead.
Jude Bellingham
Spanish outlet El Chiringuito reported that Bellingham took exception to a challenge by Rudiger during a small-sided game at the club's training base.
The squabbling pair allegedly had to be separated after the incident, which was reportedly accelerated by Bellingham insulting his teammate.
Both players eventually featured in Sunday's La Liga win over Alaves, with Bellingham coming on as a substitute.
The flashpoint appears to have been no more extreme than typical disagreements that occur between teammates in football.
"It's football, it's normal on the pitch that emotions get high," Bellingham explained at the press conference.
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"You communicate with team-mates louder than you'd communicate with your mum and dad."
The midfielder emphasised that negative interactions are often highlighted while positive ones are overlooked.
"For every negative interaction you see, there are 20 positive interactions. That will get lost in the media, which is fine, as long as the team respects each other to have those honest conversations."
Bellingham acknowledged Real Madrid's poor performance in the first leg at the Emirates Stadium.
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Reuters"There wasn't one aspect of our game in the first leg that was up to the standard we expect of ourselves," he said.
"We know we can play a lot better, and that's what we want to show tomorrow. It's one thing to lose, but it's another thing not to learn."
Despite the daunting task, Bellingham referenced Madrid's history of dramatic European comebacks.
"I think there's an expectation of Real Madrid that when we get in these holes we can come back."
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There were reports that there was a bust-up in Real Madrid training
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"The club have done it so many times, so the expectations are huge," Bellingham added, acknowledging the difference in comeback culture between Spain and England.
Prior to the match, Bellingham had also posted a message to Real Madrid supporters on Instagram following the Alaves victory.
"Believe! See you Wednesday Madridistas!" the confident midfielder wrote.
With the 15-time European champions facing a monumental challenge, Bellingham's comments suggest the squad remains determined to mount another famous Champions League comeback.
