Copa del Rey Elimination Reignites Authority Debate at Real Madrid

Real Madrid’s shock Copa del Rey exit on Wednesday has reignited questions over authority inside the club.

With Alvaro Arbeloa only replacing Xabi Alonso a couple of days prior, the criticism has shifted from the man in the dugout to the players on the pitch.

Real Madrid Players Face Scrutiny After Copa del Rey Exit

Arbeloa set an unwanted Real Madrid record as Segunda side Albacete beat the heavyweights in the Copa del Rey Round of 16. Jefte Betancor scored a brace to help the underdogs come away with a 3-2 victory.

After the game, the Real Madrid boss took all the blame. He said his players gave their all, and he was happy with their performance.

Former Real Madrid academy star Alvaro Benito did not hold back in his assessment of the Whites’ performance.

On El Larguero, he said (via Diario AS):

“The first thing that comes to mind is that we’re probably seeing the worst Real Madrid in many years .

“It’s worrying that the manager says the players gave their all. 

❌ Second division side Albacete beat and eliminate Real Madrid from the Copa del Rey!

Álvaro Arbeloa loses his first game as Real Madrid manager. pic.twitter.com/ibQMvNn2QF

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) January 14, 2026

“If they really did have the attitude today, what’s missing is the level (quality).”

Benito pointed out that Arbeloa was not going to make an impact right away. It was up to the players to respond and capitalise on the momentum from a new managerial appointment.

“It was very difficult to see substantial changes in a single day.

“What a change of coach should bring is energy and renewed enthusiasm. Either the team lacks quality, or several players are performing well below their usual standard.”

Benito Raises Players vs Manager Authority Question

Benito called Alonso’s dismissal a win for the Real Madrid players who resisted change.

He continued:

“I think Xabi Alonso’s dismissal is a victory for the players, who feel empowered because a style or certain obligations can’t be imposed on them.

“Xabi was a successful coach at a club like Leverkusen, with a rigorous, attacking, dynamic, and aggressive team. He can’t replicate that here because certain players refuse or are unable to fulfil certain obligations.”

Benito said that Alonso’s dismissal gave power to the players, making it difficult for other managers to impose their will upon them.

“Now, who’s going to impose their will on these players, teach them, or convince them that the right path to being competitive lies elsewhere?”

Vinicius Jr. vs Alphabet Soup:

90 Minutes
0 Goals/Assists
1/3 Shots on Goal
23 Possessions Lost
2 Offsides

B-BU-BUT REMEMBER HE HAS 2 UCLS AND YOU DONT HAVE ANY pic.twitter.com/jzkym9wbfr

— Hater Central (@TheHateCentral) January 14, 2026

Alonso’s exit has changed Vinicius Jr.’s renewal situation, as the Brazilian reportedly was not on good terms with the manager. Some reports even claim he was responsible for his dismissal.

Since taking charge, Arbeloa has showered praise on Vinicius. Even after the defeat on Wednesday, Arbeloa praised the Brazilian, claimed he took responsibility and played like a captain.

Jude Bellingham was also implicated in the push to sack Alonso. However, the England international has strongly denied the allegations.