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What Alvaro Arbeloa’s Appointment Means for Real Madrid’s Style and Players

Real Madrid have parted ways with Xabi Alonso following Sunday’s Supercopa de Espana defeat, appointing Alvaro Arbeloa as his successor until the end of the season. 

Alonso’s departure has come as a bit of a shock, as many reputed Spanish outlets backed him to stay put until the end of the season.

However, after Real Madrid’s historic Super Cup final defeat against Barcelona, the Madrid hierarchy, led by president Florentino Perez, opted for a change.

Alonso’s Real Madrid tenure ended after only seven months, and now, a fresh start awaits the Santiago Bernabeu.

Alvaro Arbeloa – A Madridista Through and Through

Arbeloa the Manager

New appointee, Alvaro Arbeloa, has not yet managed a first-division side. He only started managing a senior team — Real Madrid Castilla or Real Madrid B — in July 2025.

He took charge of them in 23 games, overseeing 12 wins, three draws, and eight defeats before getting the big gig.

Before his stint at Castilla, Arbeloa managed Real Madrid Yth., YL, and U19 sides between 2020 and 2025. In the 2022/23 season, Arbeloa led Juvenil A (U19s) to a historic treble of Champions Cup, the league, and the domestic cup.

Arbeloa the Player

Arbeloa joined Real Madrid U19 from Zaragoza Youth in 2001, at the age of 18. He steadily progressed through the ranks and broke into the first team in January 2006.

Playing time was not guaranteed, so he moved to Deportivo La Coruna (July 2006) before securing a move to Liverpool a year later. In July 2009, Madrid activated their special purchase clause to bring him back to the Santiago Bernabeu.

In August 2016, he left for West Ham United on a free and retired from professional football a year later.

As a professional, Arbeloa played 238 games for Real Madrid in all competitions, scoring six goals and providing 15 assists. He won one LaLiga title and two UEFA Champions League trophies with the Whites, among other honours.

After retiring, he served as an ambassador for Real Madrid before becoming a full-time coach.

How Real Madrid Could Play Under Alvaro Arbeloa

Alvaro Arbeloa joins Real Madrid with a clearly defined coaching philosophy — one he has applied across all the teams he has managed so far.

The 4-3-3 is his preferred formation, but he is open to adapting depending on the opponent and match development.

Like Xabi Alonso, he instructs his players to press high up the pitch and dispossess opponents in their own half. Intensity has been Arbeloa’s mantra so far, and implementing it with the first team will be an interesting challenge.

The defensive midfield position is key for Arbeloa. He has regularly emphasised how big a role a defensive midfielder or a ‘6’ plays in dictating the tempo of the game.

Arbeloa Is a Big Admirer of the Mourinho System

Arbeloa has openly expressed his admiration for former manager Jose Mourinho. The Spaniard, who played 122 games under the Portuguese, was a fan of Mourinho’s equal treatment of players and has tried to emulate it in his coaching career.

Arbeloa said (via Diario AS):

“I connected with him very early on, because of everything he transmitted to me.

“The fact of giving your best every day, and doing it by setting an example. With Jose [Mourinho], you only played if you worked 100 per cent in training, no matter what the name of the player. These were values and ideals that I really agreed with.”

Later in another interview, he said:

“It’s not just about idolising Jose. It’s about always moving forward and not being afraid to be who you are. I always try to be as Mourinista as possible.”

With Arbeloa in charge, training sessions are set to become even more important. Real Madrid players must now work extra hard to earn a place in the starting XI.

Madrid may also take a pragmatic approach against higher-quality opponents, something Mourinho regularly did during his time in the Spanish capital.

What Arbeloa’s Appointment Means for Real Madrid Players

Every coach has their favourites, and Arbeloa is likely no exception. So far, he has not been vocal about it, but patterns would undoubtedly emerge in the next month or two.

Long before his appointment, reports emerged that Arbeloa could sell two Real Madrid players. However, given Real Madrid’s current precarious situation, Arbeloa might not enter the role with any preconceived ideas.

Goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois continues to operate at a very high level and is all but guaranteed to keep his place. The defence has suffered this season due to injuries, so Arbeloa has to make do with the options available.

With Alvaro Carreras fit, Fran Garcia could see limited action, as Arbeloa is reportedly not convinced with his level of performance.

The midfield could be the most fiercely contested area under Arbeloa. His preference for a physically imposing defensive midfielder bodes well for Aurelien Tchouameni, who has delivered impressive performances this season.

Captain Federico Valverde is arguably the hardest-working player in the team. His work rate and leadership ability make him a strong contender to claim a midfield position.

Eduardo Camavinga, Dani Ceballos, and Jude Bellingham can all vie for the remaining midfield spot. Bellingham has shown the most versatility in midfield in the last three seasons and is the favourite to claim a place.

Up top, Kylian Mbappe and Vinicius Jr. are all but guaranteed to start, but Rodrygo’s position could be up for grabs.

Arda Guler produced some convincing performances under Alonso, while Brahim Diaz (currently on AFCON duty) is also a viable option.

There have also been reports that Arbeloa is not a big fan of the Brazilian, as he believes that he often creates more problems than he solves.

Real Madrid have only appointed Arbeloa as a caretaker manager until the end of the season. If he convinces with his performances, Los Blancos are likely to give him a long-term deal.

Arbeloa will manage the All-Whites for the first time in the Copa del Rey Round of 16 clash with Albacete on Wednesday night.

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