Real Madrid’s appointment of Álvaro Arbeloa marks a radical shift in philosophy. Following the sacking of Xabi Alonso, the new head coach is expected to abandon rigid tactical constraints and return to the player-centric management style made famous by Carlo Ancelotti.
According to Fabrizio Romano, Arbeloa’s arrival is more than just a coaching change; it’s a “peace treaty” with the dressing room. While Xabi Alonso’s tenure was marked by intense tactical demands that led to friction with senior players, Arbeloa is seen as a leader who will prioritize harmony and individual brilliance.
Vini Jr, Bellingham, and Rodrygo: The ‘Protagonists’ Return
The rigid system imposed by Xabi Alonso often saw Real Madrid’s creative stars sacrificed for tactical balance. Under Arbeloa, a “decentralized” leadership style is expected to return.
The Goal: To give players like Vinícius Júnior, Jude Bellingham, Rodrygo, and Eduardo Camavinga the freedom they enjoyed under Ancelotti.
The Vibe: Reports suggest the squad felt “suffocated” by Alonso’s technical demands. Arbeloa, a former teammate to many in the veteran core, plans to bring back the “lightness” that defined Madrid’s recent Champions League successes.
The Endrick Regret: A Victim of the Alonso Era?
Perhaps the biggest casualty of Xabi Alonso’s short reign was Endrick. The Brazilian wonderkid struggled for minutes under Alonso’s strict rotation, leading to his recent loan move to Lyon.
In a bitter irony for Madrid fans, Endrick made his debut for Lyon this past Sunday—the same day Alonso lost the Super Cup—and scored a stunning goal in a victory over Lille. Under Alonso, Endrick managed only three appearances. While Arbeloa cannot recall him until the summer, his appointment signals a future where young talents will be given more “breathing room.”
First Test: Albacete and the Road to Recovery
Arbeloa doesn’t have the luxury of a pre-season. His debut comes this Wednesday in the Copa del Rey against Albacete. The world will be watching to see if the “Ancelotti 2.0” approach can immediately fix a team that looked tactically lost in the Super Cup final.
