Alvaro Arbeloa insists his future at Real Madrid is not his decision, maintaining focus on the seven remaining matches despite growing speculation about his replacement.
The 43-year-old former defender took charge in January following the dismissal of Xabi Alonso, but his tenure has been marked by early exits from the Copa del Rey and Champions League, leaving the club nine points behind Barcelona in La Liga.
In a press conference on Monday, Arbeloa reiterated his stance: “I am a Madridista, and I am Real Madrid’s coach now. This decision does not concern me.” He emphasized that his concentration remains solely on the upcoming fixtures, beginning with Tuesday’s match against Deportivo Alaves at the Santiago Bernabeu.
“What occupies me are these seven matches, particularly the first one tomorrow,” Arbeloa said. “This is the only thing on my mind and the only thing important for Real Madrid.” He described the remaining games as critical, stating that “our lives depend on them” and urging the team to demonstrate their significance.
Despite vocal support from some quarters, including commentator Ido Bidali of Onda Cero who praised Arbeloa as a better coach than Santiago Solari, the consensus points toward his departure. Sources indicate that Florentino Perez is seriously considering a return for Zinedine Zidane, who would begin a third spell in charge.
Perez’s interest in Zidane is driven by practical considerations rather than sentiment, according to Defensa Central. The French coach’s familiarity with the club’s inner workings and current squad eliminates the need for an adjustment period, allowing for immediate impact.
Real Madrid’s management views Zidane as a low-risk emergency solution capable of guiding the team through a transitional phase and making difficult structural decisions. The club points to its history of successful coach returns, citing Fabio Capello’s second stint and Zidane’s own previous successful tenures, with Carlo Ancelotti’s second spell serving as the most prominent example of sustained success.
Whereas, any potential return for Zidane remains complicated by his reported verbal agreement with the French Football Federation to lead the national team after the 2026 World Cup. Perez and the Madrid board maintain a strong relationship with Zidane, which could facilitate negotiations, but the French national team opportunity remains a decisive factor in his future.
Arbeloa, for his part, continues to frame his approach around collective responsibility and immediate challenges. “When this season ends, we will believe about next season and all the things we must do well again to win,” he noted, deflecting questions about his personal future while affirming his commitment to the present moment.
Why does Arbeloa say his future is not his decision?
Arbeloa states that his continuation as Real Madrid’s coach depends solely on the club’s leadership, not on his personal choice, and that he has repeatedly emphasized this point when questioned.
What is the immediate focus for Arbeloa and the team?
Arbeloa says his sole concentration is on the seven remaining matches, beginning with the upcoming game against Deportivo Alaves, which he describes as critically important for the team’s season.