The elimination of Real Madrid from the Champions League by Bayern Munich is likely to trigger a period of significant upheaval at the Spanish club, potentially starting with the position of head coach Alvaro Arbeloa. The 43-year-old manager was appointed in January, replacing Xabi Alonso, but the defeat by Bayern may lead to his dismissal, possibly after the end of the current season.
With Real Madrid almost certain to finish the term without a major trophy, and having ended the 2024-25 campaign without a title, the pressure is mounting. The club's history of not tolerating failure lightly, and the fact that only one manager who ended a season without a major title has returned for the following campaign under president Florentino Perez, suggest that Arbeloa's position is precarious.
The general view around the club is that he will likely be fired, but will see out the season due to the lack of alternatives and his ability to maintain a professional environment. The situation is further complicated by the fact that Arbeloa's contract does not have a specified length, and there have been persistent rumors about potential replacements. The club's leadership, including Perez, highly regard Arbeloa, but his preference is to continue in management, and he has ambitions for his career.
Several candidates have been discussed to replace Arbeloa, including Jurgen Klopp, Zinedine Zidane, and Mauricio Pochettino, but no clear favorite has emerged. The coming weeks are expected to bring more clarity on the situation. Beyond the manager's position, significant changes are expected at Real Madrid, with a general feeling that the club needs a rebuild, including the potential sale of a major star to bring in reinforcements.
The appointment of a director of football is also being considered, which would mark a difference from the current structure, where general director Jose Angel Sanchez, chief scout Juni Calafat, and Perez are responsible for recruitment. The club has been plagued by a medical crisis, with a high number of injuries, and disagreements between the coaching staff and the physical trainer Antonio Pintus. Proposals for a new ownership structure, allowing outside investment, do not seem to have progressed. The situation at Real Madrid is complex, with potential changes at every level, and the coming weeks will be crucial in determining the future of the club.