Real Madrid manager Alvaro Arbeloa is facing an uncertain future at Santiago Bernabeu, with the club already making plans for the summer.
According to The Athletic, Madrid are considering another managerial change, with the club facing the prospect of going trophyless in back-to-back campaigns.
Los Blancos were sent packing from the Champions League quarter finals following a 6-4 defeat against Bundesliga champions Bayern Munich.
Their only hope of salvaging the campaign is by winning the La Liga, which is also out of their hands.
After dropping points in back-to-back league games, Arbeloa’s side are nine points behind fierce rivals Barcelona at the La Liga summit, with just seven games remaining.
If Madrid are to turn their situation around, they must be flawless for the rest of the season and hope Hansi Flick’s side drop points in the run-in.
Madrid’s situation has forced them to re-evaluate their summer plans, and Arbeloa could be the first to make way despite only joining the club in January.
Arbeloa was brought in to replace former Madrid teammate Xabi Alonso, who was cut loose after seemingly losing the dressing room.
In fairness, Arbeloa has given a decent account of himself over the past four months, but his chances of reprising his role at the end of the season are slim at the moment.
While his close relationship with club president Florentino Perez initially gave him job security, results have not followed in a way that could secure his long-term future.
The club hierarchy is still cautious about making a final decision, so nothing has been officially confirmed, but conversations are ongoing behind the scenes.
In response to the growing pressure, Arbeloa recently gathered his squad for an unplanned meeting at the training ground and called for unity, focus, and commitment.
That move seems to have resonated with parts of the dressing room, with several players now backing Arbeloa to stick around next season.
Despite the vote of confidence, Mauricio Pochettino is reportedly admired by Perez and is considered a strong candidate, while Jurgen Klopp has also been linked with a sensational return to management.
