There is a growing sense within Real Madrid that a decisive summer lies ahead, and at the centre of it all is the future of Alvaro Arbeloa.
What once appeared to be a transitional appointment with potential has quickly turned into a situation that now demands serious reflection at the board level.
While Arbeloa has undeniably improved relationships within the dressing room, especially when compared to the turbulence seen under Xabi Alonso, results remain the ultimate currency at a club of Madrid’s stature.
And in that regard, the numbers simply do not support his case.
For a brief period, it seemed like Arbeloa had found the right balance.
March offered a glimpse of what this team could be under his guidance, and despite a crippling injury list that sidelined key names, Madrid produced a run of five consecutive victories.
During that stretch, the team looked organised, disciplined, and committed to a clear tactical structure.
High-profile wins, including eliminating Manchester City and securing victory in the derby, suggested that Arbeloa might have been building something sustainable despite adversity.
Everything changed in a month
However, that optimism has since faded dramatically, as April has exposed the fragility of that progress.
Real Madrid cannot continue with Alvaro Arbeloa. (Photo by Fran Santiago/Getty Images)
With several key players returning, including Kylian Mbappe and Jude Bellingham, expectations naturally rose.
But instead of building on March’s momentum, Madrid regressed. The team lost its structure, intensity, and clarity, raising serious concerns about the manager’s ability to handle a fully fit squad.
Out of six matches played in April, Madrid have managed just one win. ONE. That is not only unacceptable, but it is also just sad to see Real Madrid in a state like this.
In the UEFA Champions League, Madrid were eliminated at the quarter-final stage by Bayern Munich, losing both legs.
In La Liga, dropped points against Mallorca, Girona, and Betis have effectively ended their title hopes.
Perhaps even more concerning than the results is the manner in which they have come.
Performances have lacked cohesion, urgency, and tactical clarity. Even their lone win, a narrow victory over Alaves, came without conviction, despite the presence of their biggest stars.
As things stand, Arbeloa’s position looks increasingly untenable, as Real Madrid are already exploring alternatives for the 2026/27 season, fully aware that they cannot afford another campaign defined by inconsistency.
