Real Madrid’s Coaching Shakeup: The Transition from Alonso to Arbeloa

Real Madrid has made a shocking decision to dismiss Xabi Alonso just eight months after his arrival from Bayer Leverkusen, following the team’s defeat to Barcelona in the Spanish Super Cup final. Reports suggest that Alonso faced significant unrest within the dressing room during his tenure.

In the interim, Álvaro Arbeloa, who previously served as the coach of Real Madrid Castilla, has been appointed as the new head coach. Arbeloa, a former player for both Real Madrid and Liverpool, has dedicated his coaching career to the Real youth academy.

Journalist José Relano has hinted that club president Florentino Pérez may consider reappointing José Mourinho, who is currently managing Benfica. Notably, Arbeloa was part of Mourinho’s squad at Madrid from 2010 to 2013, a period during which the team secured La Liga and the Copa del Rey titles.

Relano commented on the situation, stating: “His ultimate goal is to bring back Mourinho, who is currently causing a stir at Benfica, precisely so they fire him.”

Arbeloa, however, has made it clear that he will not emulate Mourinho’s coaching style. He expressed, “I haven’t spoken to him [Mourinho]. For me, it was a privilege to be coached by him, someone who had a great influence on me. I’m going to be like Arbeloa; I’m not afraid of failure, but if I tried to be like Mourinho, I would fail spectacularly.”

He continued, reflecting on the impact of various coaches on his career, stating, “I hope I do half as well as many of them.”

Despite criticisms from some quarters—labeling him a “snitch” and stating he lacks inspirational qualities—Arbeloa has maintained a positive rapport with Alonso. He remarked, “After I found out about the club’s decision, of course I spoke with him afterwards. I have a lot of enthusiasm to start my first game, and I’m excited to have a squad of great quality.”

Real Madrid is set to face Segunda Division side Albacete in the Copa del Rey on Wednesday, followed by a La Liga match against Levante this weekend. Currently, Los Blancos trail leaders Barcelona by four points.