At a glance
- Real Madrid performed beyond general expectations by losing a classic Champions League to Bayern Munich by a 6-4 aggregate score amid losing 4-3 on the night.
- Previously, it was thought that only by going far in Europe would Arbeloa save his job.
- Now, though, there is debate surrounding his possible continuation.
Real Madrid’s recent loss to Mallorca brought with it reports from AS that Alvaro Arbeloa would lose his job if Los Blancos didn’t go far in Europe.
As we now know, dreams of lifting a 16th Champions League crown ended at the Allianz Arena.
Madrid went ahead three times on Wednesday to lead 3-2 and tie the aggregate score 4-4. Yet an Eduardo Camavinga red card towards the end of regular time influenced the final result.
With Madrid fielding one player less, Luis Diaz and Michael Olise both netted to book a place in the semifinals against holders Paris Saint-Germain for the Bavarians.
Yet while many would think this is the end of the road for Arbeloa, with the La Liga title pretty much wrapped up by FC Barcelona, it doesn’t appear to be a clear cut case.
Arbeloa has stated a case for his Real Madrid continuation
According to MARCA, last night’s showing is generating “a real debate inside and outside the club”. Arbeloa has respect for his approach in Munich, with Madrid “brave, recognisable and competitive”.
As a former player, Arbeloa knows how Valdebebas works. Furthermore he also has Vinicius Jr. and Jude Bellingham onside where predecessor Xabi Alonso failed.
There’s clearly work to do when it comes to getting his superstars to work hard and gel following Vinicius’ alarming tirade aimed at Bellingham. Yet it makes little sense to bring in a third different coach in a year, which is far from a good look for a club of Madrid’s prestige.
Not winning major silverware in two years is also unnacceptable. But Arbeloa can’t shoulder the blame for that having been brought in midway through 2025/2026.
It’s perhaps worth giving him a full campaign to work with including preseason, and a fair shake of the dice.
