In his debut news conference on Tuesday, new Real Madrid coach Álvaro Arbeloa expressed confidence in his players, emphasizing that they include several who have won “six European Cups.” He called for “a new beginning” following a challenging season under his predecessor, Xabi Alonso.
Arbeloa, who previously managed Madrid’s reserve team, Castilla, was appointed as Alonso’s successor on Monday, just a day after the team lost 3-2 to Barcelona in the Spanish Supercopa final held in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.
Although Alonso faced criticism after a disappointing end to the 2025 season, Madrid had won five consecutive matches leading up to the Supercopa final. Arbeloa now has the opportunity to compete for three trophies this season: LaLiga, the Champions League, and the Copa del Rey.
“We all witnessed the recent games and the dedication displayed by the players in the Supercopa final,” Arbeloa remarked on Tuesday, ahead of his first match, a Copa del Rey clash against Albacete.
“We have an impressive squad, filled with players eager to rise to any challenge. Some of our players have six European Cups, a remarkable achievement that should not be overlooked. This is what has established Madrid as the greatest club in history.”
Arbeloa, a former player in Real Madrid’s academy, joined Liverpool in 2007, where he played alongside Alonso. He returned to Madrid in 2009, reuniting with Alonso and becoming a key figure under coach José Mourinho.
“I was informed yesterday afternoon that Xabi and the club had come to a mutual agreement and that they wanted me to take over,” said Arbeloa. “I spoke to Xabi yesterday, and as you all know, we share a deep friendship that I cherish, and I know that sentiment is mutual.”
When asked if he and Alonso discussed the issues facing the team this season, Arbeloa chose not to elaborate.
Madrid has suffered defeats against Liverpool and Manchester City in the Champions League, as well as losses to Atlético Madrid and Celta Vigo in LaLiga. The win in October’s El Clásico was overshadowed by an altercation involving star forward Vinícius Júnior.
“What I discussed with Xabi will remain private between us,” Arbeloa stated. “I’m eager to get started tomorrow. I’m fortunate to have an incredible squad to work with… Every player is starting fresh with me; this is a new beginning for all.”
“I’m truly fortunate to count on Vinícius,” he continued. “Everyone saw how he performed on Sunday [in the Supercopa], and that’s the Vini we want to see.”
Arbeloa did not disclose the duration of his coaching contract, stating, “I will be at Real Madrid for as long as they want me.”
With Arbeloa’s appointment, fitness coach Antonio Pintus will also return to a more active role with the first-team squad, joining them in training on Tuesday.
Concerns about the fitness of the squad, given several injuries to key players, have been an ongoing issue for the club this season.
“Having Pintus on the coaching staff is a privilege,” said Arbeloa. “He has won five European Cups with Madrid under Zinedine Zidane and Carlo Ancelotti. He’s an exceptional fitness coach, among the best in the world, and knows the players well from previous work with them.”
When asked if he would attempt to emulate Mourinho’s managerial style, Arbeloa replied firmly.
“I haven’t spoken to José yet,” he said. “It was an honor to be coached by him; he influenced me greatly. However, I will be true to myself. I’m not afraid of failure, but I know that if I try to be José Mourinho, I would likely fail spectacularly.”