Alvaro Arbeloa’s time at Real Madrid is coming to an end, according to Marca, which confirmed that his current role is merely interim, not permanent, following Xabi Alonso’s departure.
Arbeloa was appointed in mid-January to replace his former teammate after Real Madrid’s 3-2 defeat to Barcelona in the Spanish Super Cup final.
Real Madrid has not specified the length of Arbeloa’s contract, leading to growing speculation that the coach might stay longer than just a temporary measure to salvage the season.
However, according to the latest report, no one within Real Madrid sees Arbeloa as the long-term leader of the club’s project; he is only there to manage affairs until next summer.
There is a firm conviction among Real Madrid’s management that a permanent replacement for Alonso is necessary, and discussions are already underway.
Hopes were high that Arbeloa would turn things around at the Santiago Bernabéu and perhaps even stay longer, but the lack of any noticeable impact so far has led to a final decision to bring in a new coach next season who can change things in the Spanish capital.
Spanish media outlets have indicated that Unai Emery, the current Aston Villa manager, is a strong candidate under consideration by Florentino Pérez’s administration, and that initial contact has taken place between the two parties.
Jürgen Klopp remains Real Madrid’s preferred choice, but signing him seems unlikely due to his desire to remain away from coaching.
