
Alvaro Arbeloa Promoted to Real Madrid Coach Clearing Room Alonso Embers
Key Takeaways
- Arbeloa promoted Real Madrid head coach in January, replacing Xabi Alonso; previously Castilla coach.
- Faces dressing room full of egos; emphasizes emotional management to restore harmony.
- Alonso departed Real Madrid after a troubled tenure, enabling Arbeloa's promotion.
Arbeloa Appointed
Real Madrid appointed Alvaro Arbeloa as first-team coach, replacing Xabi Alonso.
“02:04 04:46 01:00 00:56 03:02 02:08 01:08 William Pereira Published on January 20, 2026 at 07:32 The reunion with AS Monaco in the Champions League awakens a distant but sour memory in Madrid, that of a humiliating elimination in the quarterfinals against an insignificant team seen from the pedestal of the Galácticos”
The club decided after mutually agreeing to part ways with Alonso.
Arbeloa will finish the season with Castilla as well.
He said he will stay as long as Real Madrid wants.
Alonso's Quick Exit
Alonso lasted just eight months at Real Madrid.
His tenure was marked by a lack of playing identity and tension with stars.

Khabib Nurmagomedov criticized the spoiled children of Real Madrid.
Arbeloa's Approach
Arbeloa aims to restore harmony through emotional management.
“SOCCER Arbeloa, singled out: his handling of the stars triggers Real Madrid's first crisis The coach takes responsibility for the defeat as criticism grows over his favorable treatment of Vinicius or Mbappé and his passive attitude on the sideline Madrid - Published on 2 min read | 1:14 min listen After the latest defeat, fingers point at the two coaches, Cholo Simeone and Arbeloa”
He publicly backs key players including Vinicius and Mbappé.
His style focuses on a very high press and full-backs running along the touchline.
Challenges Ahead
Criticism emerged over Arbeloa's treatment of the stars.
Players showed visible anger when substituted.

Arbeloa takes responsibility for defeats.
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