Real Madrid name Álvaro Arbeloa manager

Real Madrid announced Álvaro Arbeloa as first-team manager, promoting the 42-year-old from Castilla to replace Xabi Alonso after a run of poor results culminated in a 3-2 Spanish Super Cup loss to Barcelona. Arbeloa inherits a squad four points behind their rivals in LaLiga and faces immediate pressure with limited preparation before a Copa del Rey round-of-16 tie against second-division Albacete.

Having led Real Madrid Castilla since the season began and worked in the club’s youth setup since 2020, Arbeloa stressed continuity, unity and hard work at his unveiling. He denied that player commitment had waned under Alonso and called for “hard work, sacrifice and perseverance,” urging the team to respond on the training ground rather than in the media. He specifically downplayed reports of dressing-room tensions, praising Vinícius Júnior’s character and urging a return to the enjoyment and intensity shown in the Super Cup final.

Arbeloa replaced Alonso after a seven-month spell that started with high expectations following Alonso’s success at Bayer Leverkusen, where he won an unbeaten Bundesliga title, the German Cup and reached a Europa League final. Alonso’s tenure began promisingly with an early LaLiga lead but unraveled amid disappointing results: defeats in key domestic and continental matches, a poor showing against Paris Saint-Germain in the Club World Cup and heavy Champions League losses to Liverpool and Manchester City. Media reports suggested strained relationships with senior players contributed to his departure.

The club opted for an internal appointment rooted in its culture and player-development pathway. A former right-back who played for Real between 2009 and 2016, Arbeloa brings the cachet of a decorated playing career—238 appearances, eight trophies including two Champions League titles—and international experience as part of Spain’s 2010 World Cup-winning generation. His familiarity with the academy and squad is seen as advantageous for quick stabilisation.

Immediate priorities for Arbeloa include halting the team’s dip in form, restoring defensive solidity, re-establishing cohesion among senior figures and securing consistent performances across competitions. Club officials indicated the change aims to refocus standards and accountability rather than prompt an immediate tactical revolution, relying on Arbeloa’s knowledge of club values to steady the squad while longer-term plans are reviewed.