Real Madrid have turned to Alvaro Arbeloa to pick up the pieces following the club's decision to sack Xabi Alonso. An announcement came on Monday (January 12th) confirming that Alonso had parted ways although reports indicate this wasn't a mutual agreement but rather a dismissal.
Alonso spent just seven months at the helm but a 3-2 defeat to Barcelona in the Supercopa de Espana ultimately cost him his job. But there have been other factors that have played their part in his brief reign ending in January 2026, including tension between the manager and his players at the Estadio Bernabeu.
Arbeloa isn't just tasked with trying to turn Madrid's season around but also deal with player power that is clearly still an issue. He makes the step up from the Castilla team, and there are claims that he could be a strict disciplinarian in a similar vein to Jose Mourinho.
Alvaro Arbeloa tipped to be the new Jose Mourinho
Arbeloa has spent his coaching career at Madrid, working his way through the club's youth teams. He was promoted to Castilla last summer after a spell in charge of the U19s.
El Chiringuito TV's Jose Luis Sanchez claims Arbeloa is "going to be like Mourinho" at the Bernabeu. This means the players should prepare to bite their tongues and drop their egos because if he's anything like the iconic Portuguese coach, he won't be willing to stand for any nonsense.
Mourinho wasn't afraid to show who was boss during his three-year spell in the Spanish capital. He famously dropped Iker Casillas and fell out with the club's all-time top goalscorer Cristiano Ronaldo.
It has yet to be revealed whether Arbeloa's appointment is short term or whether he is going to be Alonso's permanent replacement. But Florentino Perez may feel his personality will be a good fit for this Los Blancos squad.
Arbeloa might have been influenced by Mourinho
Arbeloa who made 238 appearances for the club during his playing career is claimed to have held a close relationship with Mourinho. So much so, he left his teammates "high and dry", and was always "laughing and sucking up to the former Madrid boss", per Antonio Romero on Carrusel Deportivo.
The Spaniard had overseen 12 wins in 23 games since taking charge of Castilla. His coaching style was delved into by Yalla Shoot and it sounds very Mourinho-esque:
"His daily presence is strong and influential, close to everyone yet decisive with a voice that is heard. This personality is reflected in his frank stances and clear messages to the players. He is also known for his role as the team's media shield, not shying away from controversy, including refereeing issues, where he openly expressed his frustration over the repeated dismissals against Castilla, clearly and firmly conveying the club's feelings."
Arbeloa's first match in charge of Madrid's senior team will be in the Copa del Rey when Los Blancos face Albacete in the last 16 on Wednesday (January 14th). He will be eager for the team to start his reign, whether that be temporary, in a positive fashion.