Real Madrid Names Álvaro Arbeloa Head Coach After Xabi Alonso’s Mutual Exit

Overview

• The club confirmed Alonso’s departure by mutual agreement a day after the 3-2 Supercopa de España final loss to Barcelona, leaving with a 24-4-6 record in 34 matches and no trophies.
• Arbeloa, 42, was presented on Tuesday, said he will “fight for everything,” and takes charge immediately with his first match against Albacete in the Copa del Rey.
• In his first remarks, Arbeloa said he wants a Vinícius Júnior who “enjoys and dances,” adding that every player starts from zero under his watch.
• Spanish outlet AS reported internal concerns that Alonso failed to fully win the dressing room and that physical preparation fell short, with recent adjustments including Antonio Pintus overseeing conditioning and Miko Nihic heading the medical team.
• Public farewells from players were uneven, with seven first-teamers not posting messages, while Spanish press links Alonso to potential interest from Liverpool, Bayern Munich and Manchester City, noting he cannot coach another Spanish club this season.