January 12, (THEWILL) — Alvaro Arbeloa has been named the new head coach at the Bernabéu following Xabi Alonso’s departure after a 3-2 Supercopa de España final defeat to Barcelona.
Alonso, who took over from Carlo Ancelotti ahead of the 2025 Club World Cup, oversaw 34 fixtures across seven months but encountered growing pressure amid poor results and reported friction with players.
The 42-year-old Arbeloa arrives from his position leading the club’s youth structure, most recently managing Castilla after replacing Raúl last May.
He began his coaching journey in 2020 with the Under-14 squad before advancing through the Academy system.
During his playing days, Arbeloa made his first-team debut in October 2004 after emerging from the youth ranks, then left in 2005 before returning for a seven-year stint from 2009 to 2016.
Across 237 appearances, he collected a LaLiga title, two Copa del Rey winners’ medals, two UEFA Champions League trophies, the Club World Cup, and the Super Cup.
The incoming manager and his predecessor were teammates at both Liverpool and Madrid during their playing careers.
Arbeloa takes control of a team currently second in LaLiga, sitting four points adrift of Barcelona.
His first fixture comes on Wednesday when his side face Albacete in the Copa del Rey. The former defender must address the league deficit whilst juggling domestic cup duties.
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
