Real Madrid’s new manager Álvaro Arbeloa cheered on his players at his inaugural press conference on Tuesday, reminding them that his talented squad includes players who have played in “six European Cups” and insisting on a “fresh start” after a difficult season under his predecessor, Xabi Alonso.
Arbeloa, who previously coached Madrid’s reserve team Castilla, was approved to replace Alonso on Monday, a day after the team lost 3-2 to Barcelona in the Spanish Supercopa final in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.
Although Madrid had won five in a row en route to the Supercopa final, Alonso is under pressure after a disappointing end to 2025, giving Arbeloa the chance to win three trophies this season: La Liga, Champions League and Copa del Rey.
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“We have all seen the efforts of the players in recent games and in the Supercopa final,” Arbeloa said at a press conference on Tuesday ahead of his side’s opening Copa del Rey draw with Albacete.
“We have a great team, we have players who are willing to try anything. We have players here who have won six European Cups, but that seems to be quickly forgotten. That’s what made Madrid the best club of all time.”
Arbeloa played in Real Madrid’s youth ranks before joining Liverpool in 2007, where he played alongside Alonso. He returned to Madrid in 2009, reunited with Alonso, and became an important part of the team under then manager Jose Mourinho.
“I was told yesterday afternoon that Xavi and the club had come to an agreement and wanted me to take up the post,” Arbeloa said. “Of course, I spoke to Xavi yesterday. You all know my friendship with him and how much I appreciate and love him. I know it’s mutual and that will always be the case.”
Arbeloa declined to say whether he had discussed this season’s team issues with Alonso.
Madrid lost to Liverpool and Manchester City in the Champions League, Atletico Madrid and Celta Vigo in La Liga, and October’s victory in El Clasico was marred by failures from star forward Vinicius Junior.
“Of course, what I talked about with Xavi will remain between us,” Arbeloa said. “I’m excited to start tomorrow. I’m lucky to have a great team… All the players are starting from scratch with me. It’s a new start for everyone.”
“We are very lucky to be able to trust Vinicius,” he added. “Everyone saw the game he played on Sunday (Supercopa). That’s the Vini we want to see.”
Arbeloa did not specify the length of his contract as manager, saying: “I will stay at Real Madrid as long as they want me.”
Arbeloa’s appointment as coach also means a return to day-to-day involvement with the first-team squad for fitness coach Antonio Pintus, who accompanied the players in training on Tuesday.
This season, there have been a number of injuries to key players, and there have been concerns within the club about the team’s fitness.
“We are honored to have Pintos on our coaching staff,” Arbeloa said. “He has won five European Cups (with Madrid under Zinedine Zidane and Carlo Ancelotti), is an extraordinary fitness coach and one of the best coaches in the world. He knows the players very well and has worked with them.”
Arbeloa denied trying to emulate Mourinho’s managerial style as he had first-hand experience of it.
“I haven’t talked to Jose yet,” he said. “For me, it was an honor and privilege to be coached by Jose Mourinho. He influenced me a lot. I will be Arbeloa. I’m not afraid of failure, but if I try to be Jose Mourinho, I’m sure I’ll fail spectacularly.”
