Real Madrid News
Five Real Madrid heavyweights in favour of Arbeloa’s continuity – report
According to a recent report from MARCA, some of Real Madrid’s most influential players are backing Alvaro Arbeloa to remain as head coach beyond this season.
As per the outlet, this includes the likes of Vinicius Jr., Federico Valverde, Thibaut Courtois, Antonio Rudiger, and Aurelien Tchouameni
The reason behind this backing is based on Arbeloa’s impact since taking charge.
Since taking over after Xabi Alonso was dismissed, the Spanish coach has stabilised the team during a difficult period and has also managed to rebuild the atmosphere within the squad.
It is said that the players feel more comfortable and confident under his leadership, with a positive environment now clearly established within the club.
What’s the story?
A key factor in this transformation has been Arbeloa’s communication style. He has consistently defended his players in public, shielding them from external pressure, while maintaining honesty and clarity behind closed doors.
This balance has helped restore trust and accountability within the group, something that appears to have been missing under Alonso.
The bond between Arbeloa and his players has also been visible on and off the pitch. Moments shared between the coach and key figures show a renewed sense of unity.
Players such as Vinicius and Valverde, who faced scrutiny in the previous managerial era, have found renewed confidence and form under Arbeloa’s guidance.
Beyond them, senior figures such as Courtois, Tchouameni, and Rudiger have also emerged as strong supporters of the coach.
On top of that, the outlet highlights that Arbeloa has established a better relationship with players like Arda Guler, Fran Garcia, Brahim Diaz and Andriy Lunin.
With this renewed sense of optimism, Real Madrid have not lost hope in winning the La Liga as well as the UEFA Champions League and if that happens, the club’s hierarchy will have some serious thinking to do.
One of the biggest positives for Real Madrid from the last season was the breakthrough of young midfielder Thiago Pitarch.
The 19-year-old La Fabrica prospect had been in the first-team dynamics since pre-season under Xabi Alonso, but finally got his senior debut under Alvaro Arbeloa at the turn of the year.
From that moment on, Pitarch did not look back at all, gaining prominence in the team and even starting important matches ahead of established players like Eduardo Camavinga and Dani Ceballos.
However, things have not gone as per plans for the teenager this season as he has yet to play a single minute of first-team football.
January loan no longer ruled out
As such, Diario AS now reports that Pitarch would consider leaving Real Madrid on loan during the January transfer window if his situation does not improve.
The teenage midfielder suffered an injury in pre-season which kept him sidelined for a few weeks, denying him an opportunity to start the season under Jose Mourinho.
By the time he returned, the Portuguese tactician had already identified his preferred hierarchy in midfield, with the likes of Federico Valverde, Bernardo Silva, Aurelien Tchouameni and Camavinga firmly ahead in the pecking order.
A stark difference from his debut season
In his debut season, Pitarch ended with 16 first-team appearances for Real Madrid with two assists to his name.
In contrast, this term, the academy graduate has been called up to the matchday squad for five games by Mourinho this term, but has yet to play a single minute of football.
Given the situation, he used the international break to jump down to Castilla and play close to 250 minutes across three games, during which he also registered an assist.
The situation is far from ideal for a young talent who needs regular minutes to continue his development and build on his impressive breakthrough campaign.
As such, the possibility of a departure on loan in January could be considered, after Pitarch turned down offers in the summer to stay at Real Madrid.
A lot will depend on how things evolve in the next couple of months, but a temporary exit cannot be ruled out.
