Real Madrid turmoil: Arbeloa enduring a major issue that led to Alonso's brutal exit

Xabi Alonso's reign at Real Madrid ended in controversial fashion when the club announced they had "mutually agreed" to part ways. This was widely refuted by major outlets that claimed he was dismissed by Florentino Perez's board.

The decision came after a 3-2 loss to Barcelona in the Supercopa de Espana final at the start of January. The Spaniard seemed to have the backing of the higher-ups after previously being under pressure but a shock statement was released the very next morning.

Alonso's time in the Estadio Bernabeu will be remembered as one full of drama. It wasn't so much his team's performance that was the problem and his replacement Alvaro Arbeloa is now realising the issue that gave his predecessor no chance of success.

Real Madrid's player power takes hold

Alonso oversaw 24 wins in 34 games as Madrid manager and his 71.4% win percentage puts him among the very best coaches in the club's history. But some dissapointing defeats kept raising doubts over his future in the dugout.

According to Carrusel Deportivo (via Madrid Universal), Madrid's players don't view Arbeloa as the "game-changer" they were hoping for. That will be a concern for the Spaniard who took over on a caretaker basis until the end of the season.

Alonso's relationship with several players was a massive reason he lost his job as the dressing room turned on the club's legendary former midfielder. He was particularly at odds with Vinicius Junior who showed his frustration more than once whenever he was subbed off.

Arbeloa looked to lift the spirits in the locker room when he replaced Alonso and it was suggested that this resulted in a more positive enviroment. But his squad clearly have doubts about his credentials to lead the team.

The pressure is growing on Arbeloa

Arbeloa has been expected to see out the season before a decision over a permanent Madrid manager is made. But he is feeling the heat due to his team's inconsistent form and a disastrous 4-2 defeat to Benfica.

Los Blancos have to face the Portuguese giants again in the Champions League's playoffs as a result. If they lose they will fail to have reached the last 16 of the competition for the first time in history.

Arbeloa has overseen four wins and two defeats in six games in charge of Los Merengues. His side were knocked out of the Copa del Rey by Segunda Division minnows Albacete which was the first sign that he might not make the immediate impact many, including the players, envisioned.