Real Madrid already has a new coach after the abrupt departure of Xabi Alonso on Monday afternoon. Álvaro Arbeloa took the reins of the first team this Tuesday after managing Castilla in the first half of the 25/26 season and immediately held his first press conference and trained the squad ahead of the Copa del Rey round of 16 tie against Albacete
The 'merengues', after the defeat in the final of the Spanish Super Cup against FC Barcelona (3-2), visit the Carlos Belmonte Stadium with the obligation to defeat the Castilla-La Mancha team to advance to the Copa quarterfinals. 'Alba' is in 17th place in the Liga Hypermotion with 24 points after 21 matchdays.
Arbeloa dismisses "fear of failure" and "copying" Mourinho
During his presentation, Arbeloa thanked the board for their support in replacing Xabi Alonso, with whom he shares a great friendship. The now new 'Merengue' coach spoke with the player from Tolosa before his departure from Valdebebas and highlighted his commitment to the club, where he has worked for 20 years as a youth player, player, and now, coach.
"I am 42 years old, I will be 43 on Saturday, 20 of them in this house, and every day I spent at the best club in the world and in history for me has been special. I have a lot of enthusiasm," said the manager at his presentation. Regarding what's to come, he highlighted the quality of the white squad and the possibility of fighting for the three most important titles of the season.
"There's a lot of the season left. The players are in good spirits, first focused on reaching the Copa quarterfinals. In La Liga and the Champions League, we are well-positioned," he assured, while ruling out finding a dressing room that was unmotivated or not committed to the club's objectives.
"They are great professionals with enormous talent. **No one is more interested in Real Madrid winning titles than the players**. Their self-demand is at its peak," pointed out Álvaro Arbeloa, who, when asked about **Vinicius**, assured that his bet with the '7' is "that he dances and enjoys himself."
Furthermore, the Salamanca-born coach acknowledged José Mourinho's influence on his career, but made it clear that he will try to impose his own style on the bench. "I have a great relationship and appreciation for him... **I am not afraid of failure, I never have been, and I am sure that if I wanted to be Mourinho, I would fail spectacularly**," he pointed out.
Real Madrid's Calendar Will Give Arbeloa 'Oxygen'
Despite having no time to work before his debut, the schedule will be kind to Álvaro Arbeloa in his first week as Real Madrid coach. The Copa draw has paired them with **Albacete**, who are fighting to remain in the Second Division this season
In La Liga, the Whites host Levante on Saturday (2:00 PM) for matchday 20 of the league. Afterwards, on Tuesday, January 20th, Madrid will host Monaco for matchday 7 of the Champions League. The team from the Principality is ninth in Ligue 1 and, while still in the Champions League 'play-off' zone, has had a very inconsistent season.
In that regard, on paper, Arbeloa will face three affordable rivals in his debut as 'Merengue' coach. The first 'tough nut' for the Spanish coach will arrive on Saturday the 24th, with a visit to **Villarreal** (9:00 PM). Subsequently, Real will close the Champions League group stage by visiting José Mourinho's **Benfica**.
Upcoming Real Madrid Matches
- Albacete vs Real Madrid: Wednesday, January 14, Copa del Rey Round of 16 (9:00 PM).
- Real Madrid vs Levante: Saturday, January 17, LaLiga Matchday 20 (2:00 PM).
- Real Madrid vs Monaco: Tuesday, January 20, Champions League Matchday 7 (9:00 PM).
- Villarreal vs Real Madrid: Saturday, January 24, LaLiga Matchday 21 (9:00 PM).
- Benfica vs Real Madrid: Wednesday, January 28, Champions League Matchday 8 (9:00 PM).
- Real Madrid vs Rayo: Sunday, February 01, LaLiga Matchday 22 (2:00 PM).