Overview
- Xabi Alonso departed after seven months following the Spanish Super Cup loss to Barcelona, with Álvaro Arbeloa promoted as successor.
- Gareth Bale said Real Madrid requires a manager of personalities more than a tactical coach, calling Alonso an excellent coach who struggled to handle egos.
- Reports highlighted friction with Vinícius Júnior, including tense reactions to substitutions and occasional benchings under Alonso.
- Arbeloa has adopted a more direct and communicative approach in training, contrasting with Alonso’s frequent tactical stoppages and detailed corrections, according to Cadena SER.
- Arbeloa’s tenure began with a 3-2 Copa del Rey defeat to Albacete, followed by a 2-0 league win over Levante and a 6-1 Champions League victory against Monaco, leaving Madrid one point off Barcelona.