Real is a powder keg: Xabi Alonso’s successor argues with the team
Real Madrid remains in chaos after Xabi Alonso’s exoneration: the change of coach has not solved the team’s internal problems, and the new coach, Alvaro Arbeloa, is reportedly already losing control of the locker room.
According to Spanish media reports, the situation has escalated in the last few days: after the tiring 2-1 home win against Rayo Vallecano, where again the Blancos showed problems with the game, several Real Madrid stars reportedly confronted Arbeloa after the game.
The players were reportedly dissatisfied with his style of play and tactical choices: in the crosshairs especially his decisions for the Champions League match against Benfica, which saw Real overwhelmed 4-2. The discussion, according to Spanish daily Sport, reportedly lasted for more than an hour, and Arbeloa’s situation had already become precarious.
The coach, who arrived from the youth ranks, is perceived only as a temporary solution by the players, who would doubt his abilities. Arbeloa’s authority would already be undermined, and there would be an initial rift between the team and the coach.
The club leadership and Florentino Perez himself are currently protecting him, and Arbeloa would have his job secured until the end of the season. But the coach is tied to the team’s results in the upcoming matches: the goals are to go as far as possible in the Champions League and to fight until the end with Barcelona for the league victory.
