The post-Xabi Alonso era has officially begun at Valdebebas. Just 24 hours after the shock dismissal of his predecessor, Álvaro Arbeloa took to the grass this Tuesday (13th) to lead his first session as the first-team manager of Real Madrid.
The 42-year-old Spaniard, a beloved figure among the Madridistas, was thrust into the role following Sunday’s painful Spanish Super Cup defeat to Barcelona. While the club board continues to monitor high-profile names like Jürgen Klopp for the future, the immediate mission of stabilizing the world’s biggest club rests on Arbeloa’s shoulders.
A Career Built Within the “White House”
Arbeloa’s appointment isn’t a gamble on an outsider; it’s a promotion of one of the club’s most dedicated students. His journey as a coach began in 2020 within the Real Madrid youth system, progressively moving through the ranks before taking over Real Madrid Castilla in June 2025.
As a player, Arbeloa’s legacy is already etched in gold. A key part of the “La Décima” and “Undécima” winning squads, he boasts an trophy cabinet that includes:
- 2x Champions League
- 1x La Liga title
- 2x Copa del Rey
- FIFA Club World Cup
This deep connection to the club’s values is exactly why Florentino Pérez turned to him during this turbulent mid-season crisis.
Tactical Shift: The “Interim” Challenge
Following his first training session, Arbeloa is set to face the media in a highly anticipated press conference. All eyes will be on his tactical setup many expect him to move away from the rigid structure that led to Alonso’s downfall, adopting a more fluid, player-centric approach reminiscent of his former mentor, Carlo Ancelotti.
No Time to Waste: The Debut is Tomorrow
Arbeloa has less than 24 hours to prepare for his first official test. Real Madrid travels to face Albacete this Wednesday in a “must-win” Copa del Rey fixture. With a demanding schedule ahead, including La Liga and Champions League duties, the new boss must prove he can translate his success with the youth teams to the elite stage.
Real Madrid’s Upcoming Fixtures:
- Jan 14: vs Albacete (A) – Copa del Rey
- Jan 17: vs Levante (H) – La Liga
- Jan 20: vs Monaco (H) – Champions League
