The aftermath of Real Madrid's Champions League elimination by Bayern Munich is expected to trigger a period of significant upheaval at the Spanish club, potentially starting with the position of head coach Alvaro Arbeloa. Arbeloa, who was appointed in January, may face dismissal due to the nature of managing Madrid, where defeat can lead to swift changes. The 4-3 defeat on the night and 6-4 loss on aggregate mean Madrid are almost certain to finish the season without a major trophy, having been knocked out of the Copa del Rey by second-division Albacete and trailing defending champions Barcelona by nine points in La Liga. The club's history under president Florentino Perez suggests that managers who fail to deliver major titles are often replaced.
Arbeloa's contract situation is unclear, and while he has improved the atmosphere in the dressing room, his position has never been strong. The club may consider replacing him, with potential candidates including Jurgen Klopp, Zinedine Zidane, and Mauricio Pochettino. However, the situation at Madrid goes beyond Arbeloa's position, with a need for significant changes in various departments.
The club's sporting structure, recruitment process, and medical team have been criticized, and there is a general feeling that changes at every level cannot be ruled out. A potential new ownership structure, which would allow outside investment, has not progressed since it was announced in November. The coming weeks are expected to bring more clarity on the changes at Madrid, but for now, the club is engulfed in uncertainty and speculation.