Arbeloa Takes Real Madrid Helm: Vows Fresh Start After Alonso Exit

Álvaro Arbeloa has been officially unveiled as Real Madrid's new head coach, stepping in after Xabi Alonso's departure by mutual agreement following a 3-2 loss to Barcelona in the Spanish Supercopa final.

The 42-year-old former Real Madrid defender, who has spent 20 years at the club, described the day as 'special' during his first press conference on Tuesday. Arbeloa emphasized his excitement for the role, stating he has 'a lot of enthusiasm to start' and is 'lucky to have an incredible squad' including stars like Vinícius Júnior, whom he praised for his Supercopa performance[1][4].

Arbeloa confirmed he spoke with Alonso, his close friend and former teammate at Madrid, Liverpool, and Spain, after learning of the decision on Monday afternoon. 'What I discussed with Xabi will remain between us,' he said, while wishing well to the predecessor who faced pressure amid locker room issues and poor form despite recent wins[1][2][4][5]. Alonso's Instagram farewell expressed gratitude but no direct mention of club president Florentino Pérez, under whom Arbeloa is seen as close[1].

Dismissing comparisons to José Mourinho, Arbeloa affirmed he has 'a lot of Mourinho in him' but intends to instill his own style in his first major coaching job, previously with Madrid's Castilla reserves. He backed his players, noting some have 'six European Cups,' and called for a 'new start' with everyone at zero[1][4].

Arbeloa takes over a team trailing Barcelona by four points in La Liga at the halfway mark and seventh in the Champions League league phase, but still in contention for three trophies. He highlighted the squad's quality, academy talents from La Fábrica, and ambition to fight for everything, stressing player happiness and enjoyment[2][4].

Preparations are underway for Arbeloa's debut match: a Copa del Rey Round of 16 clash at Albacete on Wednesday at 9:00 pm CET. Training at Real Madrid City included warm-ups, rondos, drills, and small-sided games, led by Arbeloa, with some players like Rüdiger, Mbappé, and Militão following individual programs[3].

Jürgen Klopp, linked to Madrid rumors, distanced himself, saying Alonso's exit 'has absolutely nothing to do with me' in comments to Servus TV[1]. Arbeloa committed to the role as long as the club wants, defining Real Madrid as 'about winning, winning, and winning again'[1][6].