Real Madrid confirmed the dismissal of Xabi Alonso on Monday evening, and within an hour, the club announced Alvaro Arbeloa as his successor. The decision marks a significant internal promotion, with the former right-back stepping up from his role as Castilla manager to take charge of the first team.
Arbeloa is no stranger to Valdebebas, having spent the last five and a half years climbing the coaching ladder within the club’s academy structure.
Arbeloa’s rise through the Real Madrid system
Arbeloa joined Real Madrid’s coaching ranks in 2020, initially working with the under-14 side before progressing to the under-16s. He then spent three years in charge of the under-19 team, achieving consistent success, before replacing Raul Gonzalez as Castilla manager last summer.
According to Cadena COPE, one of the key factors behind his appointment is his strong relationship with club president Florentino Perez. Arbeloa has long been highly regarded within the hierarchy, both for his loyalty to the club and his work in developing young talent.
How do Alvaro Arbeloa’s teams play?
Across roughly 200 matches in charge of academy teams, Arbeloa has recorded 151 victories, an impressive return that highlights his effectiveness at youth level.
Tactically, his sides have predominantly operated in a 4-3-3 formation. Full-backs are encouraged to push high and support the attack, while wingers tend to cut inside to create space out wide. A traditional number nine leads the line, supported by a midfield structure that includes a single holding player shielding the defence.
Out of possession, Arbeloa’s teams focus heavily on high pressing. He prioritises regaining the ball in advanced areas and transitioning quickly, an approach that has drawn comparisons with Jurgen Klopp’s early managerial style.
Personality and leadership style
Real Madrid view Arbeloa as a modern coach, both in preparation and mentality. Diario AS reports that he has brought increased professionalism to the academy, making extensive use of technology, including video analysis and drone footage during training sessions.
On the touchline, Arbeloa is known for being passionate and intense. He is not afraid to make bold tactical changes mid-game and has frequently been vocal in defending the club, particularly regarding officiating controversies in Spanish football.
This intensity also carries over to his work with players, where he demands high physical and mental standards.
Key contrasts with Xabi Alonso
From a tactical perspective, Arbeloa’s system is not expected to represent a dramatic departure from Alonso’s original setup earlier in the season. Both favour structured pressing and positional discipline, although Arbeloa appears less flexible when it comes to defensive line height.
The biggest contrast is likely to come in terms of personality. While Alonso was widely viewed as calm and measured, Arbeloa brings a far more emotional and outspoken leadership style, which could resonate differently within the dressing room.
Mz view:
Internal appointments often bring continuity, but success will ultimately depend on how quickly ideas translate into results.