Alvaro Arbeloa has gained support from Real Madrid's players and that's been on display in their recent upturn in form. A 2-0 win over Villarreal on the weekend followed a sensational 6-1 thrashing of AS Monaco in the Champions League midweek.
Kylian Mbappe was at the double against the Yellow Submarines as Madrid continue to chase Barcelona in the La Liga title race. Just a point separates the two El Clasico clubs with 17 games still to play.
Vinicius Junior has been reborn under Arbeloa after a tumultous spell during Xabi Alonso's reign. The Brazilian winger was out of sorts up until January but he looks happy once again and it's not only him who have benefitted.
Real Madrid dressing room response to Arbeloa
According to The Athletic, sources close to the dressing room confirm that there has been an "improvement in the atmosphere compared to the tensions of Alonso's tenure." There has evidently been a positive shift in mentality under Arbeloa, with the likes of Vinicius looking happy once again.
Arbeloa was appointed as caretaker manager which seemed to indicate he was only taking over on a short-term basis. But clearly the players are enjoying their football under the Spaniard and that could influence any decision Florentino Perez makes regarding a permanent Los Blancos boss.
There have been big names linked with the job including former Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp. But there's no disputing that Arbeloa is certainly proving doubters wrong and is having an impact on the dressing room.
Thibaut Courtois on what has changed under Arbeloa
Alonso's dismissal was a controversial decision that many felt was unjustifiable given he oversaw 24 wins in 34 games. But there were clearly problems between the Spanish coach and some of the players at the Bernabeu.
Thibaut Courtois didn't have any such issues but the Belgian goalkeeper did give an interesting response to Arbeloa's impact. He said after the Villarreal win (via the source above):
“I don’t think it’s changed that much, every coach has his own way of training, but maybe something is clicking better now."
What might be clicking better is the connection between the coach and the squad with Arbeloa constantly defending the likes of Vinicius when speaking in press conferences. He responded to Madridistas booing the Brazilian by pointing out his achievements at Madrid.
Alonso told reporters that fans were free to speak their mind in light of the Brazilian receiving backlash from fans during his tenure. It feels as though Arbeloa is more willing to go to bat for his troops and it's paying dividends.