Real Madrid’s Renaissance: The Arbeloa Effect and Boardroom Intervention

omidbasir- The recent revival at Real Madrid has been notably attributed to the so-called “Arbeloa effect.” However, new reports from Spain suggest that this turnaround was significantly influenced by direct intervention from the boardroom. According to Cadena SER, club president Florentino Perez felt compelled to personally engage after the dismissal of coach Xabi Alonso, pinpointing a lack of intensity and self-demand as the primary factors behind the team’s struggles.

In a decisive move, Perez reportedly convened a private meeting with star player Jude Bellingham, urging him to exhibit a more commanding presence on the pitch. Although the England international has emerged as a key player since his arrival, the president emphasized the necessity for increased leadership and determination during this challenging transition. The message was clear: the team’s performance levels had fallen below expectations, and an immediate change in the squad’s attitude was imperative to reverse the downward trend.

Additionally, Perez engaged in one-on-one discussions with promising talents Arda Güler and Franco Mastantuono. Both players had lost their momentum during the Alonso era, but following the president’s motivational talks, they are said to have regained their form. Mastantuono now resembles the player he was early in the season, while Güler appears closer to fulfilling the club’s expectations since his signing.

The president’s series of meetings also addressed a concerning issue regarding positional discipline. Under Alonso, versatile midfielders Federico Valverde and Eduardo Camavinga had reportedly expressed dissatisfaction when asked to adapt to full-back roles due to injuries within the squad. Perez’s directive to both players was resolute: personal preferences must be set aside for the benefit of the team. Since this intervention, the previously reported dissent has dissipated, with both players now fulfilling their defensive responsibilities without complaint and performing commendably.

This transformation has proven vital for new head coach Álvaro Arbeloa, enabling him to address defensive gaps without inciting unrest in the dressing room. The president’s involvement ensured that Arbeloa entered a well-disciplined environment where players understood that running, playing, and maintaining the right attitude were fundamental expectations from the top management.

The necessity of Perez’s intervention underscores the toxicity that had developed under Alonso’s management. Despite arriving with a prestigious reputation from Bayer Leverkusen, Alonso’s tenure lasted only a few months before he was relieved of his duties in January. His time in charge was marred by a disconnect with senior players, who reportedly struggled with his rigid tactical directives and perceived micromanagement.

Reports indicate that veteran players felt restricted by Alonso’s methods, longing for the freedom they had enjoyed under Carlo Ancelotti. The atmosphere at Valdebebas worsened as results declined, with defeats against Liverpool, Manchester City, and Celta Vigo intensifying the pressure on the manager. The situation reached a breaking point following a 3-2 defeat to Barcelona in the Spanish Super Cup, which led the board to conclude that Alonso’s project had failed.

Former Real Madrid star Gareth Bale commented on Alonso’s dismissal, suggesting that the coach failed to adequately manage the players’ egos, a crucial factor for success at the Bernabéu. The lack of support from key players left the team appearing disjointed and sluggish, necessitating a change in management.

Since Arbeloa’s appointment, Real Madrid has experienced an immediate improvement in fortunes. The former defender has guided the team to three consecutive victories, including a resounding 6-1 defeat of Monaco and a hard-fought 2-0 win away at Villarreal. In his first four matches, the team has netted 12 goals while conceding only four, indicating a resurgence in the dynamic, high-energy football that fans demand.

Arbeloa has largely simplified Alonso’s intricate tactics, opting for a more pragmatic approach that empowers individual talents within the squad. With the “attitude” issues seemingly addressed through Perez’s intervention, and tactical constraints loosened by Arbeloa, Real Madrid seems to be regaining its momentum ahead of a pivotal Champions League clash with Benfica.