Real Madrid legend Ángel Di María has voiced his support for Álvaro Arbeloa, praising the new manager’s ability to stabilize the club following the high-pressure departure of Xabi Alonso.
Arbeloa’s Turnaround
In a nostalgic interview with the Spanish daily AS, the 37-year-old World Cup winner reflected on the managerial shift at the Santiago Bernabéu. Despite a rocky start, Arbeloa has managed to win over both the dressing room and former teammates like Di María.
“I don’t know his full philosophy as a coach yet, but he is a great guy,” Di María noted. “He didn’t start well, but he corrected the course quickly, and it seems he will do very well. The pressure at Madrid is unique; there is little patience, even for great coaches like Xabi.”
Defending Xabi Alonso
Di María also touched upon the dismissal of Xabi Alonso, suggesting that the standards at Real Madrid are often unforgiving. “He only lost the Super Cup final to Barcelona, which in any other club wouldn’t be a disaster, but at Madrid, you need immediate results,” the Argentine explained.
The Ancelotti “Masterclass”
Currently back in Argentina with Rosario Central, “El Fideo” took a moment to praise Carlo Ancelotti, the man now leading the Brazilian National Team. Di María recalled how Ancelotti saved his Madrid career by moving him from the wing to a central midfield role.
“He told me he would find a place for me. Against Osasuna, he put me in the middle, I scored, and everything changed. I’ve never seen anyone speak ill of Carlo; he is a wonderful person who supported me during my most critical time,” Di María concluded.
Thiago Nuno is a football editor and analyst covering European leagues, match statistics, and transfer market trends.
