When Real Madrid chose Alvaro Arbeloa to succeed Xabi Alonso following the Spanish Super Cup in January, the decision was seen as a major internal move. Previously in charge of the club’s youth setup, Arbeloa was handed the senior role during a difficult period.
When Real Madrid chose Alvaro Arbeloa to succeed Xabi Alonso following the Spanish Super Cup in January, the decision was seen as a major internal move. Previously in charge of the club’s youth setup, Arbeloa was handed the senior role during a difficult period.
His spell in charge, however, has been marked by disappointment. Real Madrid were eliminated from the Copa del Rey in his debut match, and the team has since been unable to secure any silverware. Despite continued support from the squad, his time on the bench is increasingly viewed as unsuccessful.
According to the report, Arbeloa is now expected to leave his role in June. While he has maintained the confidence of the dressing room, performances and outcomes have not been strong enough to justify extending his stay.
With no trophies added under his leadership, the club hierarchy appears ready to move in another direction once the season concludes.
Diario AS reports that Real Madrid’s leadership had identified Zinedine Zidane as their top option even before Alonso’s dismissal was finalized. Contact was reportedly made in December, when internal decisions regarding Alonso’s future were already progressing.
The club legend was approached about returning, but Zidane had already committed himself to becoming France’s national team coach after the FIFA World Cup. Because of that prior agreement, he was unavailable for the position. Although this prevented an immediate return to Madrid, the possibility of another spell at the club remains open for the future.
