Real Madrid’s atmosphere has significantly improved since their surprising 1-0 defeat to Getafe three weeks ago. That adverse result in La Liga has been followed by an impressive five-game winning streak, completely revitalizing the mood at Valdebebas. This positive shift coincides with a change in perception for Alvaro Arbeloa, who, despite facing internal questions just weeks prior, has successfully won over the squad.
Arbeloa Secures Unanimous Squad Backing
According to reports, if President Florentino Perez were to conduct a poll regarding Arbeloa’s continuity for the next season, the majority of players would vote in his favor. Upon his arrival, the dressing room was divided following Xabi Alonso’s departure, but Arbeloa has systematically cultivated strong relationships, gradually earning the players’ trust and support.
Crucially, Arbeloa’s tactical acumen has been instrumental in the team’s on-field success. He has implemented a system that optimally utilizes talents like Fede Valverde and Vinicius Junior, both of whom were more marginalized under Alonso but are now among Arbeloa’s most ardent supporters. The Real Madrid players express satisfaction with Arbeloa’s strategic ideas, their daily training regimen, and the evolving style of play. His coaching staff has also successfully forged good relationships with the squad.
Effective Public Messaging and Leadership
Another factor contributing to Arbeloa’s growing influence is his public messaging. Recently, he has publicly advocated for Antonio Rudiger’s contract renewal, declared Thibaut Courtois the best goalkeeper in the club’s history, and offered praise for numerous players. Courtois, Rudiger, and Aurelien Tchouameni are among those who have fully embraced Arbeloa’s methods. Furthermore, his decisive benching of Trent Alexander-Arnold in favor of Dani Carvajal during the Madrid derby—a decision accepted by the Englishman—underscored Arbeloa’s discipline and resonated well within the squad.
His strong connection with the Castilla players further strengthens his position. These academy prospects not only align with his philosophy but also wholeheartedly support him, especially given that Arbeloa was responsible for providing Manuel Angel, Thiago Pitarch, and Cesar Palacios with their initial opportunities in the first team.
Looking ahead, a significant challenge for Arbeloa will be the reintegration of Jude Bellingham and Kylian Mbappe into the team following their injuries. While Brahim Diaz has seamlessly adapted to the four-midfielder system in recent weeks, the reintroduction of these star players will undoubtedly necessitate tactical adjustments to their current method of play.
