New Manager announcement ONGOING after shocking Supercopa de España defeat to Barcelona – Deal has been signed as Florentino Pérez welcomes new Real Madrid Coach

Xabi Alonso was scheduled to speak to the press ahead of Wednesday’s Copa del Rey last-16 tie at Albacete. But following Sunday’s 3-2 loss to Barcelona in the Supercopa de España, things moved quickly.

 

By Monday night, Alonso had been dismissed, with his good friend Arbeloa taking over.

 

As a player, the now-42-year-old Arbeloa captured two Champions League trophies with Real Madrid (2014 and 2016) and lifted the World Cup with Spain in 2010. He started his coaching journey at Madrid’s academy in 2020 and was promoted last summer to manage Real Madrid Castilla, the club’s reserve side, after working with the under-19s.

 

Though his name had been circulating as a potential successor to Alonso since December, the speed of his appointment still caught many off guard.

 

This wasn’t a formal managerial unveiling in the traditional sense—though Madrid did send out director of institutional relations and former player Emilio Butragueno to offer some official words of support.

 

Several key questions about Arbeloa’s position remain unanswered. Madrid hasn’t clarified whether this is an interim or permanent appointment, nor whether his contract terms have been modified.

 

During the press conference, Arbeloa was relaxed and personable—much as he’s been throughout his recent months managing Castilla, his first senior coaching role. He made a point of addressing journalists by their first names (even after one mistakenly called him Xabi).

 

He showed he brings a different personality than his predecessor and made it clear he favors a more straightforward approach. Here’s what he said—and what it reveals.

 

“I’ve been part of this club for 20 years and I’ll remain here as long as Madrid wants me. I understand what Real Madrid represents, the external pressures, and I’m fully aware of what the supporters expect and what they want their team to embody throughout its storied history.

 

“Real Madrid has 123 years of heritage, and it’s challenging to be celebrated simply for attractive football. We understand the expectations that come with wearing this shirt. Winning is what matters.”

 

Arbeloa has always been regarded as deeply loyal to the club, something evident on the day he bid farewell as a Real Madrid player.

 

“From this moment on, I’m one of them. I’ll sit in their seats,” Arbeloa said about the fans following his final match at the Bernabeu against Valencia in May 2016. Between four years in the youth system (2001-2005) and seven with the first team (2009-2016), he spent 12 years at Madrid as a player.

 

Part of the crowd chanted his name and displayed a giant replica of his No. 17 shirt, while his teammates hoisted him on their shoulders.

 

Arbeloa also presented Florentino Perez with a jersey bearing this inscription: “To the ‘presi,’ you brought me here 15 years ago, when you left I went with you, and in 2009 you brought me back home. Forever grateful.”

 

Such tributes were rare in those days and reflected how club leadership valued him as someone who loyally represented their vision.

 

That’s why, after retiring in 2017 following a stint at West Ham, he returned to Madrid as an ambassador.

 

Arbeloa subsequently worked his way up through the academy’s coaching ranks while maintaining strong ties with Madrid’s leadership and developing deep institutional knowledge.

 

He even appeared as a pundit on Real Madrid TV, the club’s official broadcast channel.

 

While the exact duration of Arbeloa’s tenure with the first team hasn’t been officially confirmed, the lack of clarity isn’t particularly surprising given the strong mutual trust between both parties.

 

Arbeloa likely considered it a win that he navigated questions about his contract length during the press conference without revealing more than what’s already known. That discretion speaks volumes.

 

“I spoke with Xabi yesterday. Everyone knows how close we are, how much respect we have for each other, and that’s reciprocal. It will always remain that way.

 

“He didn’t create any obstacles for me. He wished me well, just as I would have done if our situations were reversed. Our friendship transcends all of this—we had a lengthy conversation. I’m confident he’ll succeed wherever he goes next.”

 

Arbeloa forged a strong bond with Alonso during their overlapping playing careers at Liverpool (2007-2009), Real Madrid (2009-2014), and with Spain’s national team (2008-13).

 

This friendship endured beyond their playing days. Arbeloa attended Alonso’s unveiling as head coach in June and posted on Instagram: “Welcome back. We couldn’t be more thrilled to have you here again.”

 

Throughout the season, the two occasionally crossed paths at the training facility and collaborated. One of their last public appearances together was on November 27 at the ceremony where Toni Kroos received the Knight’s Cross of the Order of Merit of Germany.

 

Naturally, once speculation about Arbeloa potentially replacing Alonso started gaining traction, the situation became awkward.

 

On December 13, after a 2-1 Champions League defeat to Manchester City, Alonso fielded an uncomfortable question about the growing buzz surrounding Arbeloa as his potential successor. “I believe he could manage Madrid in the future—he’s performing excellently,” the 44-year-old responded.

 

“We have a squad filled with immense talent, and I think they’re good people. I’ve played for Madrid myself, and I’ve told them that period was the highlight of my life.

 

“I’ve encountered a group with tremendous enthusiasm, particularly because we have a long season ahead with three trophies to compete for. I’ve witnessed significant commitment. They’re as motivated as I am.

 

“Naturally, all the players are beginning with a clean slate—it’s a fresh start. That’s the essence of it. It’s both a new beginning and a continuation of the objectives we already established.”

 

Perhaps the first major issue that surfaced this season was the early disconnect that developed between Alonso and the squad, as The Athletic reported back in October.

 

Dressing room tensions have persisted for quite some time, to the extent that certain players, including Vinicius Junior, haven’t yet publicly acknowledged Alonso’s departure.

 

It will be fascinating to observe how the new manager operates and whether he’ll take a stricter approach than his predecessor. He did offer support for Vinicius Jr., who has faced recent criticism from fans at the Bernabeu, calling him one of “the most effective players in the world.”

 

What’s certain is that Madrid won’t progress unless the players are united behind their coach. If Arbeloa can achieve that alignment, it will represent significant progress, regardless of the team’s tactical challenges.

 

“This club is built on winning, winning, and winning some more. We shouldn’t overlook the fact that we have players who’ve won six Champions League titles—something we seem to forget too quickly.”

 

When Alonso first addressed the media as Madrid’s coach back in June, one of his most memorable statements was: “Let the rock and roll begin!”

 

That declaration ultimately became problematic for him. Arbeloa’s response (above) to a question about what supporters should anticipate from his team clearly signals a more results-oriented philosophy.

 

Interestingly, the phrase he selected (“winning, winning and winning again”) was popularized by the late coach Luis Aragones (who managed Atletico Madrid and Spain, capturing the 2008 European Championship). Current Atletico manager Diego Simeone has also echoed this sentiment.

 

This may be another indication of Arbeloa’s intention to carve out his own identity, separate from established coaching philosophies, including that of Jose Mourinho, who managed him at Madrid from 2010-2013.

 

When asked whether the Portuguese coach had been a major influence, he replied: “I anticipated that question. I haven’t contacted him yet. For me, being coached by Mourinho was a privilege and an honor.

 

“He certainly shaped my thinking, but I am Alvaro Arbeloa. I’m not worried about failing, but if I attempted to replicate Mourinho, I would definitely fail.”