Alvaro Arbeloa took over the hot seat replacing Xabi Alonso in January, with only 6 months of coaching experience at the professional level. He had suffered a few very bitter defeats in the early days of leading Los Blancos, typically the defeat to the tiny team Albacete at Copa Del Rey. Then there were some matches that were out of sync in La Liga, leading to having to cling to arch-rival Barcelona in the rankings.
Recently, everything has begun to go well for Real Madrid when they have won 4 consecutive matches in all competitions, typically defeating Man City twice in the Champions League round of 16. Some Real fans at Etihad sang the name of the young coach as a tribute, recognizing his practical contributions.
When he was appointed to replace Xabi Alonso on January 12, Arbeloa also did not know what his specific role at the Bernabeu was (official, interim or temporarily holding the team for a few matches). Spanish media said that Arbeloa will have a contract until June 2027 and then a longer future will be considered.
For Arbeloa personally, he is not too concerned about being replaced after this season ends. The reason is that the 43-year-old former defender stepped up to take on this role in the mindset of helping the team overcome difficulties rather than calculating anything too far away. Success or failure in a Champions League match cannot be a measure of Arbeloa's success, but at least at this time, everything is very favorable.
Speaking of the difference between Arbeloa and Alonso, the integration with the players is the clearest thing to feel. Unlike Alonso, the players often come to Arbeloa's office to chat and feel very happy. Many players who seemed to be supporting roles like Brahim Diaz were given opportunities. He started in the match against Celta Vigo, then continued to start in all 3 matches, including the 2 matches against Man City recently.
Not only does he have a friendly attitude, but Arbeloa's management on the training ground is also gentler than Alonso's. When Alonso was in charge of the team, almost no players' families were exposed, except for some professional figures. With Arbeloa, that barrier was broken and made the players happier.
There are also some opinions disagreeing with Arbeloa in the current squad, but it is about the vision of this young coach for a long journey, not because of the way he exchanges with the players. Therefore, smiles have appeared more even though everyone understands that the final sprint of the season is still extremely difficult. No one feels pressured at this time, that is the most positive thing at Real Madrid.
Arbeloa prepares for each match without too many situational videos and analysis like Alonso. Saying that does not mean Arbeloa is not preparing for anything. Arbeloa often discusses with players about positions, how they can best perform on the field. Sometimes, giving the entire decision to a player to shoulder the match, like Valverde in the first leg against Man City, has proven that.
Arbeloa does not prepare the match in a way he is not good at, that is in terms of tactics. However, having also been a Real Madrid player, he understands very well what this team needs in each period. Sometimes, all tactics put in place are meaningless if the world's top stars in the Real Madrid squad do not play with a comfortable head and vice versa.
I am impressed with what is ahead, he has made a very good impression. Alvaro will have a long coaching career" - Pep shared after the second leg between the two teams in the Champions League round of 16.
Real Madrid convincingly defeated Man City when at one point they were missing many key players such as Kylian Mbappe, Jude Bellingham, Rodrygo or Eder Militao. Some stars who seemed to be supporting roles such as Brahim Diaz, Fran Garcia or young talent Thiago Pitarch were given opportunities and they proved that Arbeloa's belief in them was completely correct.
At this time, Arbeloa's future has not been decided, perhaps owner Florentino Perez wants to wait for the Champions League or La Liga.
