Real Madrid have had a very difficult year. At the beginning of the season it was thought that the team would fly high under the leadership of Xabi Alonso, who had just achieved historic success with Bayer Leverkusen in the Bundesliga. However, after a series of poor results and amid rumours of a broken dressing room, he was dismissed to make way for Alvaro Arbeloa
With the odds against him and no experience of coaching in the top flight, Arbeloa took on the challenge, brought Vini back into the spotlight, adjusted a couple of pieces and the Merengues are still inconsistent, capable of thrashing the most successful team of the last decade in the Premier League, or suffering elimination at the hands of a second division team, but each time showing better football and above all, harmony in the team.
Now, Arbeloa is at the helm of an ambitious project, with a real chance of reaching a Champions League final and still alive in LaLiga, although several points behind Barcelona.
Arbeloa beats Pep Guardiola in the Champions League
The Merengue team completed their qualification to the next round of the Champions League after eliminating Pep Guardiola’s City with a 5-1 aggregate score. After this victory, Arbeloa has managed to eliminate two of the most successful coaches in history, Mourinho and Pep Guardiola, an achievement worthy of note for a rookie coach.
When asked about this feat in a press conference, the Real Madrid coach directed the praise towards his players with elegance and a touch of humor, a nod that keeps Real Madrid fans delighted: “I have some players who are amazing” replied Arbeloa.
How does Arbeloa’s Real Madrid play?
For many, Arbeloa‘s team is still far from having a characteristic style, although in the Champions League it has proved to be effective. With a usual 4-3-3 formation, and playing without a number 9 due to Mbappe’s injury, Arbeloa has opted to populate the midfield, relying on players who are decisive in the final pass such as Brahim Diaz and Arda Guler, and trusting in promising youth players such as Thiago Pitarch
He has also restored Trent Alexander-Arnold to the starting line-up, and although he is still far from the level he showed with Liverpool, it allows Fede Valverde to be pushed further forward, a move that was key in qualifying for the Champions League quarter-finals.
Real Madrid’s upcoming games
- Real Madrid vs Atletico Madrid | March 22
- Mallorca vs Real Madrid | April 4
- Real Madrid vs (Opponent to be determined) | April 7 | Champions League, First leg
- Real Madrid vs Girona April 12
- (Rival to be confirmed) vs Real Madrid | April 14 | Champions League, second leg
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