Alvaro Arbeloa Demolishes Xabi Alonso's Game Plan Ahead of Epic Real Madrid Champions League Showdown
Before Real Madrid's Champions League encounter with Benfica, newly appointed manager Álvaro Arbeloa held practice at the Estádio da Luz, marking a significant departure from Xabi Alonso's earlier approach.
Throughout his brief spell in charge, Alonso attempted to introduce numerous modifications to his former team. From his frequently debatable tactical decisions on the field to his leadership approach away from it, the Spanish coach was clearly willing to revolutionize things in Madrid.
Alonso also determined that Los Blancos would stop practicing at visiting venues, maintaining the squad at Valdebebas for their preparation sessions before Champions League matches. This change represented a break from established customs going back to José Mourinho's era, who was the previous manager to avoid training on foreign territory.
Arbeloa, however, quickly returned Real Madrid to the approaches of Carlo Ancelotti and Zinedine Zidane. At his initial chance, the 43-year-old discarded Alonso's philosophy and conducted his final practice session in Lisbon.
Why Arbeloa Deviated From Alonso's Training Practices
Why Arbeloa Deviated From Alonso's Training Practices
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Arbeloa provided some explanation for his choice to have the squad practice at the Estádio da Luz before their league phase conclusion against Benfica.
"Xabi wasn't the sole manager who prepares games at his home venue. We're uncertain if we'll continue this in the future. We have that choice, but it felt significant to me to visit a stadium that evokes such positive memories," Arbeloa stated during his pre-match media session.
The Spanish manager is naturally referencing the club's 2013–14 Champions League victory in Lisbon, where Sergio Ramos memorably netted in the 93rd minute to push the match into overtime against Atlético Madrid. Real Madrid subsequently won the contest 4–1, securing La Décima while Arbeloa was still wearing the white jersey.
"To practice the day prior to the game and to sense the significance of these three points and the opponent we're facing. I believe it benefited the players. That's my reasoning for this decision, but I don't consider it superior or inferior to choices made by other managers," he continued.
Arbeloa Warns His Players of the 'Difficulty' Awaiting Them
Arbeloa Warns His Players of the 'Difficulty' Awaiting Them
Different from the previous season, Los Blancos control their own fate in the Champions League league phase. The squad currently occupies third position with 15 points, meaning a win against Benfica will secure their advancement to the round of 16.
The Spanish powerhouse are expected to claim three points on Wednesday evening, but Arbeloa was swift to warn his team against assuming they can stroll into the Estádio da Luz and overpower a Mourinho-coached side without performing at their peak.
"This is a crucial match for us. We aim to be among that top eight and we must secure the three points tomorrow against a formidable opponent," the Real Madrid manager stated.
"Even if they field their Youth League squad, they possess the finest possible leader. I have alerted the players about the challenge of this game, we arrive with enormous humility. If we wish to prevail we must give everything and maintain complete concentration."
Arbeloa served under Mourinho at Real Madrid and respects the manager greatly. Now, in only his fifth match as head coach, the former defender will compete against his former mentor from the sideline.