Real Madrid have once again demonstrated their ruthless streak in managerial appointments, dismissing Xabi Alonso on Monday evening after just seven months in charge.
A Swift and Brutal Change at the Bernabéu
The Spaniard's final match in the dugout was Sunday's 3-2 Spanish Super Cup final defeat to arch-rivals Barcelona. Twenty-four hours later, he was gone, with the club moving swiftly to install his former Liverpool, Real Madrid, and Spain teammate, Alvaro Arbeloa, as his successor.
Arbeloa, 42, is a familiar face at the Santiago Bernabéu, having won eight major honours as a player between 2009 and 2016, including two Champions League titles and one LaLiga crown. He steps up from coaching Real Madrid Castilla, the club's B team, a role he has held since June, after previously working with the youth sides.
The 'Mourinhista' Takes Charge
For any first-team players uncertain about the new boss's philosophy, the answer is clear. Arbeloa has long been an open disciple of his former manager, Jose Mourinho, under whom he played 122 times during a three-season spell in Madrid.
In a 2017 television appearance, he declared himself a 'Mourinhista', describing it as a way of being upfront and unafraid to be oneself. He elaborated in a past interview, praising Mourinho's fierce protection of his squad, saying the Portuguese was "like a bullet-proof vest for the players" who fought relentlessly for the team's interests.
This combative spirit was evident in May 2023 during a fiery Under-19 clash with Atlético Madrid. Arbeloa squared up on the touchline with their then-coach, his old teammate Fernando Torres, who shoved him and shouted a threat. Arbeloa stood his ground, retorting, "Start whenever you want." His willingness to confront and defend his players is a trait the senior squad may well admire.
A Meticulous Defensive Philosophy
On the technical side, Arbeloa brings a detailed defensive mindset. Speaking to The Coaches' Voice in 2024, he explained that defending well is not merely about winning tackles but about controlling space and forcing opponents into less dangerous areas.
"The key is to control the space and force the opponent to play where it does the least damage," he stated. "Defending is not always about going for the tackle, it's about knowing how to bide your time." This structured approach could prove vital for a Real side that has kept only one clean sheet in its last eight matches.
The task now for Arbeloa is immense. He takes over a giant still competing for LaLiga, the Champions League, and the Copa del Rey. The shadow of his predecessor's brief reign looms large, and the club will be desperate for him to translate his playing success into managerial glory. Only time will tell if he can emulate his idol Mourinho and become another 'special' one in the Madrid hotseat.
