Alvaro Arbeloa has just overseen one of the worst nights in Real Madrid's history and it has already put him under pressure. A shambolic 3-2 loss to Segunda Division outfit Albacete was the stuff of nightmares and means the club crash out of the Copa del Rey.
Madridistas can't catch a break and after the drama of Xabi Alonso's dismissal on Monday, would have hoped for an easy night in at the Estadio Carlos Belmonte.
That wasn't the case though as Madrid were beaten by a team sitting 17th in the second division of Spanish football. Arbeloa made plenty of changes but still put out a team that should be winning this game including Vinicius Junior.
Arbeloa already in the firing line
Arbeloa replaced Alonso as caretaker manager until at least the end of the season. He was promoted from his role as Castilla coach and was compared to Jose Mourinho ahead of his first game in charge.
But there was no sign of a positive response following a 3-2 loss to Barcelona in the Supercopa de Espana final on Sunday. An embarrasing defeat to Albacete has already cast doubts over Arbeloa's future.
According to The Touchline on X, the Madrid board have "no qualms" about sacking Arbeloa early if he isn't seen as the right fit. They believe he deserves another game before making a decision but view the Copa exit as "devastating."
The fact that there is already talk over Arbeloa's future is a damning indictment of just how poorly planned this season is becoming. It's one thing to part ways with Alonso halfway through the campaign, it would be unthinkable to do so with an interim who is trying to steady the ship.
Madrid already looking for a new coach
Arbeloa seems most likely to be given until the end of the season unless Madrid capitulate in the Champions League and La Liga title race. They sit four points behind Barca after 21 games and seventh in the European competition's standings.
But tonight seems to have convinced Florentino Perez and his fellow higher-ups that Arbeloa isn't the man to take Los Blancos forward in the long run. The club have reportedly already started contacting candidates to appoint for next season, per Cadena SER.
Jurgen Klopp was the immediate frontrunner to replace Alonso but the former Liverpool boss downplayed rumors he'd be interested in the job. Other names linked include former Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca, Zinedine Zidane and England coach Thomas Tuchel.