Real Madrid's elimination 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. Arbeloa, who was appointed in January, may face dismissal despite possibly continuing in his role until the end of the season. The club's failure to win a major trophy this term, combined with their poor performance in the Copa del Rey and their significant points deficit in La Liga, has raised questions about the team's management and structure.
The general consensus is that Arbeloa's position is under threat, but the decision to replace him may not be made immediately, given the limited stakes at this point in the season. Arbeloa has improved the team's atmosphere, which could justify him seeing out the remainder of the campaign.
Potential candidates to replace Arbeloa include Jurgen Klopp, Zinedine Zidane, and Mauricio Pochettino, although none of these options are without their complications. The club's wider turmoil extends beyond the manager's position, with a need for significant changes in key departments. Factors contributing to the team's struggles include the number and impact of recent signings, dressing room harmony, and the high number of injuries. There is a feeling within the club that a director of football is needed to oversee recruitment and provide a fresh perspective.
Former player and manager Santiago Solari currently holds this title but has limited influence. The possibility of internal power struggles and changes to the club's sporting structure cannot be ruled out, with sources indicating that various positions, including the board, coaching staff, medical team, and players, could be affected.
The club has also been dealing with a medical crisis since 2023, with a high number of injuries and disagreements between coaching staff and the physical trainer Antonio Pintus. Proposals for a new ownership structure, which would allow for outside investment, have not progressed significantly since they were announced in November. As the situation continues to unfold, the coming weeks are expected to bring more clarity on the future of Real Madrid.