Real Madrid's 4-1 win over Real Sociedad on Saturday was just what Alvaro Arbeloa needed amid doubts over his credentials to coach Los Blancos. The Spaniard replaced Xabi Alonso at the start of January and was appointed as caretaker manager until the end of the season.
It's been a mixed bag for Arbeloa thus far with several highs and lows since he took charge at the Bernabeu. His side were knocked out of the Copa del Rey by Segunda Division minnows Albacete and a 4-2 loss to Benfica means the team require a Champions League playoff against the Portuguese giants.
Madrid headed into the game against Sociedad knowing that a win would see them move above Barcelona in the La Liga title race. They prevailed at home with a statement-making victory which puts the pressure on the Catalans who are in action tomorrow against Girona.
Real Madrid 4-1 Real Sociedad: Arbeloa has mended an Alonso issue
Arbeloa has constantly backed his players whenever speaking to the media and that drew criticism from fans because they felt he was overprotecting them. The best example of this is Vinicius Junior who wasn't handed an untouchable status during Alonso's short-lived reign.
Vinicius came off the boil during Alonso's spell, going 18 games without scoring. He netted in the Spaniard's final game, a 3-2 loss to Barca in the Supercopa de Espana final.
The Brazilian winger has bounced back under Arbeloa and netted two penalties in the win against Sociedad. His caretaker boss spoke glowingly after the game (via Madrid Universal):
"I've been seeing prime Vinicius since the moment I became coach a month ago, to be honest. He is a wonderful boy. He's one of the best in the world, it's an honour to coach him."
it's not just Vinicius who is seemingly loving life under Arbeloa as a report from Diario AS (via Madrid Zone) has shed light on the improvement in mood amongst the squad.
Alonso reportedly "failed to connect with the player and lost their trust" while Arbeloa has "restored harmony in the dressing room and has managed to regain unity."
There has been an evident shift in mood with players looking more happy under Arbeloa. It could be crucial for Madrid in the final stretch of the season as a positive enviroment helps.
Arbeloa is putting himself in contention for Madrid job
Madrid chiefs have a decision to make this summer over who is in charge come next season. They will either be appointing a new permanent manager or deciding to put their faith in Arbeloa by handing him the job long-term.
Arbeloa made the step up from Castilla where he had been managing the youth side since last summer. It was a bold move for the former Spanish right-back who lacked experience coaching at the elite level.
The 43-year-old has overseen six wins and two defeats in eight games since replacing Alonso. That includes a the win against Sociedad which means his side are top of La Liga until Barca are in acton tomorrow night.
If Arbeloa can deliver a trophy come the end of the season then it might be difficult for the board to resist appointing him on a permanent basis. What they shouldn't do is decide to cut ties and not keep him on as either an assistant or hand him his former role given the rapport he's already built with the senior team.