Real Madrid unveiled new manager Alvaro Arbeloa on Tuesday, following the surprise sacking of Xabi Alonso on Monday evening. The promoted Castilla manager was non-committal on both the length of his stay in charge and what type of football he would want to play.
Arbeloa has a close relationship with Alonso, and there has been some speculation about a potentially difficult situation, as Arbeloa was in the running to take over as Basque manager, should Los Blancos pull the trigger.
“After I found out the decision of the club and Xabi to reach a separation agreement, you all know the relationship I have with Xabi is very close. I actually spoke to him after that.
“It is clear that what I discussed with Xabi will remain between us. I am very interested in starting my first game, where we will play with everything on the line. I am happy to have a high-quality team in my hands. And great happiness. Nothing has interfered with our relationship in any way. He wished me all the best, as I would also wish him all friendship. He will do very well, and we will always be together.”
How long will Alvaro Arbeloa be in charge of Real Madrid?
At the time of Real Madrid’s announcement, it was not revealed whether Arbeloa would replace Alonso permanently, or as interim manager. No contract length has been given to Arbeloa either.
“I have lived in my home for 20 years. I can tell you that I will be here until Real Madrid tells me to leave.
Managing the Real Madrid dressing room
One of the areas in which Alonso has been criticized is his way of handling the famous players of Real Madrid, Vinicius Junior and Kylian Mbappe seem to question his authority in public. Arbeloa expressed little concern about his ability to do so.
“It’s not a big concern for me. We have a team with good players, and they are all really good guys. Nobody is more interested in winning titles than the players themselves. I told them that the best time of my life was playing for Real Madrid, and they should enjoy it. They want it for themselves. It was a good first impression of mine.”
What can Real Madrid fans expect from Arbeloa?
In terms of diagnosing the problems that led to Alonso’s exit, Arbeloa was not willing to be drawn into criticizing his predecessor.
“There’s next season, and we’re in good shape for all the competitions. That’s what I focus on: being with everyone, getting to know each other, working with them… The important thing is for them to be happy, to enjoy themselves on the field. Wearing this badge is the best thing that can happen to you in life. We want to fight for everything.”
As for how his side would play, and what playing well meant to him, Arbeloa was equally ambiguous.
“This club is about winning, winning, and winning again. It’s in our DNA. That’s what led us to fill the trophy cabinets. When I was a player, I found those values in the dressing room; it’s the most important thing. That’s my job, my passion, and I’ll live it every day.”
Mourinho’s rating
One of the names, alongside Jurgen Klopp, Arbeloa has been compared to by Jose Mourinho. Arbeloa played down any similarities between them though.
“I haven’t spoken to him yet. For me, it was an honor to be trained by him, someone who had a big impact on me. I will be like Arbeloa; I’m not afraid of failure, but if I try to be like Mourinho, I can fail spectacularly.”
Mourinho is widely regarded as a major influence on Arbeloa, especially in terms of character.
“I have had many coaches. They have been very important in my career, they have had a big impact. You have your own way of life and you take the best from each one. Many are legends, they have won everything in football. I hope I do half as much as many of them.”
