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Red alert at the Santiago Bernabéu. Real Madrid is facing a radical new beginning – and the man who is supposed to reignite the fire is Álvaro Arbeloa. After the departure of Xabi Alonso, the former defender of Los Blancos takes command and is immediately confronted with numerous challenges. We name the five biggest construction sites that the new Real coach must quickly fix.
A Team on the Ground
The defeat in the Supercopa has left deep scars. Doubt, insecurity, frustration – the dressing room seems shaken. This is exactly where Arbeloa is needed. Not as a tactics nerd, but as a leader, a motivator, a voice of the old Madrid DNA. January will be a mental acid test. If he fails to clear the players’ heads, the season threatens to become one to forget.
An Immediate Program for Physical Condition
A central deficit of the previous phase was the team’s poor fitness. Numerous injuries and physical setbacks have cost Real Madrid their competitiveness at crucial moments. The new coaching staff must urgently ensure that the players regain their physical freshness and explosiveness to withstand the relentless match calendar.
Chaos in Midfield – Who Will Finally Take Control?
The heart of the game is currently beating far too quietly. The midfield lacks ideas, is torn, and has no clear hierarchy. Too many experiments, too little structure. Arbeloa faces a fateful question: Who will direct the game? Who will take responsibility? Without order and creativity in the center, Real Madrid remains toothless – no matter how many stars are on the pitch.
Mbappé, Vinícius & Co. – Many Stars, Little Harmony
Another mammoth task lies in the attack. High-profile names like Mbappé, Vinícius, Rodrygo, Bellingham, or Gonzalo have so far failed to harmonize consistently. Arbeloa must find the ideal system in which these stars can unfold their potential together without jeopardizing the team’s balance. The right balance between individual class and team stability will be crucial.
No Time to Learn – Wins Must Come Immediately
In the end, however, one thing counts above all: results. Arbeloa’s debut is already set for Wednesday in the cup against Albacete. Even more important are the upcoming tasks in the Champions League against Monaco and Benfica. There is hardly any time for experiments – for the new coach, there is practically no room for error.
This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇩🇪 here.
📸 Ben Roberts Photo – 2025 Getty Images
