Real Madrid Delivers Ultimatum: Alvaro Arbeloa Must Meet Crucial Benchmark to Survive—Report
Álvaro Arbeloa's tenure as Real Madrid head coach may be short-lived unless he can secure silverware in the upcoming months, according to recent reports.
Arbeloa received a swift promotion from his position managing Real Madrid Castilla following Xabi Alonso's dismissal on January 12. His reign began disastrously with an embarrassing defeat to third-division Albacete in the Copa del Rey, though he has subsequently guided the team to three consecutive La Liga victories despite suffering a Champions League disappointment.
The 2010 World Cup champion is understood to be more than a temporary appointment—previous reports indicated a deal through next season's conclusion is already agreed—however ESPN indicates it is "probable" that Arbeloa will no longer be managing by 2026–27 should this campaign conclude without any major honors.
This places all emphasis on La Liga and the Champions League, with Los Blancos eliminated from the Copa del Rey and beaten by Barcelona in the Spanish Super Cup final.
In La Liga, Real Madrid have secured six consecutive victories and remain just one point behind Barcelona, though 16 fixtures remain to be contested. Regarding the Champions League, a knockout playoff fixture against Benfica awaits this month, due to their failure to secure a top-eight finish in the league phase.
A coach advancing from Castilla to the senior squad mid-campaign and claiming Champions League glory within months isn't unprecedented at Real Madrid. This is precisely what Zinedine Zidane accomplished a decade ago, subsequently repeating the feat and achieving a historic three-peat in the tournament.
Arbeloa undoubtedly possesses tactical knowledge, but he remains inexperienced as a manager and doesn't have access to the refined squad that Zidane inherited when assuming the primary role, creating additional obstacles for his success.
Who Will be Real Madrid's Next Manager?
Who Will be Real Madrid's Next Manager?
Should Arbeloa fail to meet this exceptionally demanding challenge and either resigns or faces dismissal—fairness would dictate allowing him to return to his Castilla position—then a new permanent manager becomes necessary.
The previously mentioned ESPN report highlights that a major problem is the absence of a "consensus" choice. President Florentino Pérez reportedly desires to bring back Zidane for a third stint, though the Frenchman, who has remained out of management since departing the Bernabéu in 2021, has been patiently awaiting the opportunity to lead France's national team. With Didier Deschamps stepping down following this summer's World Cup, that role has finally become available.
Jürgen Klopp features prominently in rumors but embodies a contrasting philosophy that would hardly appeal to Real Madrid's traditionally attack-minded forwards who show little defensive commitment.
No other candidates truly emerge as essential acquisitions.
Cesc Fàbregas represents Europe's most promising young manager, but Alonso held similar status. Fàbregas's deep connections to Barcelona also make it highly improbable he would accept the position if offered. Mikel Arteta, despite his commitment to the Arsenal project, likewise has Barcelona roots.
Enzo Maresca—a protégé of Pep Guardiola—remains available but carries doubts regarding his capabilities at elite level, while Unai Emery has consistently achieved his finest results developing and cultivating moderately smaller institutions, rather than satisfying demanding powerhouses.
José Mourinho and Thomas Tuchel feature prominently among bookmakers' favorites but neither would generate supporter enthusiasm.
A final option might involve welcoming Carlo Ancelotti back for a third tenure. The 66-year-old is arguably the finest manager of the 21st century and maintains only a contract with Brazil until the summer.