Arbeloa is too big for Real Madrid's dressing room

The Real Madrid coach has a lot of fires to put out within the dressing room, and new ones arise every week

Héctor Andreu | 12 Feb 2026 | 15.02
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The Real Madrid Is Too Big for Arbeloa / Eurosport
The Real Madrid Is Too Big for Arbeloa / Eurosport

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Álvaro Arbeloa arrived at Real Madrid with the urgent solution label after Xabi Alonso's departure, but the current scenario is far from the promised stability.

The replacement of Xabi Alonso was seen as a necessary change. Not only due to results but also because of the accumulated tension in the dressing room and the loss of internal support. From day one, the message was clear. New leadership, new method, and firm hand in managing the group.

However, the competitive and emotional reality of the team has taken a different path.

Álvaro Arbeloa's method at Real Madrid

Álvaro Arbeloa's discourse was based on a clear idea: to protect the stars so they could perform on the field. Press conferences were filled with praise for the standout players. A tone opposite to Xabi Alonso, who advocated for meritocracy and discipline.

The coach chose to reinforce hierarchies. Some players acquired an almost untouchable status within the starting eleven. Initially, the dressing room breathed a certain calmness. But as weeks passed, the strategy began to create cracks.

The dressing room cracks

The first signs came after the match against Benfica. Arda Güler expressed his frustration after being substituted at a crucial moment. His public reaction left an uncomfortable image for the club. It was not an isolated gesture.

Dani Carvajal and David Alaba also don't understand their secondary role. The captain has become marginal. Ceballos posted a cryptic message on social media that many interpreted as an indirect criticism of the coach. The internal atmosphere is not ideal at a Real Madrid fighting for titles.

Contrasting with Xabi Alonso

Xabi Alonso's name reappears in every analysis. His era left division but also a clear structure. Álvaro Arbeloa has indirectly questioned past decisions, particularly in the physical management of the group.

That contrast has not been well-received in certain sectors. Comparing eras always generates friction. Some statements did not sit well in Xabi Alonso's circle. The debate continues.

Arbeloa has many problems at Real Madrid

Florentino Pérez and the divided Madridismo

Another delicate issue has been the relationship with the fans. Statements about who is or isn't a true Madridista sparked debate. By mentioning criticisms towards Florentino Pérez, the coach added unnecessary tension.

Part of the Madridismo believes that the coach crossed a line. Defending the president is logical, but singling out the fans divides. Florentino Pérez publicly supports Álvaro Arbeloa. However, the pressure increases with each match.

The club doesn't want another traumatic change in the dugout, but it also can't ignore the internal unrest.

A Real Madrid in unstable balance

Sportingly, the team continues to compete. In LaLiga, they remain in the mix, and there's still a margin in Europe. However, the feeling is fragile. The dressing room needs cohesion in decisive moments.

Álvaro Arbeloa opted for an emotional management based on absolute trust in his key figures. The issue arises when those who don't feel like protagonists perceive inequality. The coach tries to please everyone from the lectern. It's not an easy task in a Real Madrid accustomed to maximum demands.

Rumors about future coaches are already circulating. Xabi Alonso's name is being mentioned in discussions and offices again. The margin for error is minimal. Every decision weighs more than usual. Today, Álvaro Arbeloa's challenge is not tactical or physical. It's about managing a complex dressing room without definitively fracturing the club.

This news is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, El vestuario del Real Madrid le queda grande a Arbeloa

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