Real Madrid are also considering Alvaro Arbeloa as a replacement for Xabi Alonso - Gazeta Express
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football

Express newspaper

08/12/2025 17:00

Real Madrid are also considering Alvaro Arbeloa as a replacement for Xabi Alonso.

football

Express newspaper

08/12/2025 17:00

After the defeat to Celta Vigo on Sunday, Real Madrid's board was alarmed and held an emergency meeting in the early hours of the morning.

According to Spanish media, the future of coach Xabi Alonso was discussed there, who is said to have been given another opportunity, until the match with Manchester City in the Champions League.

"Marca" reports that in the event of a defeat on Wednesday, Xabi Alonso will be sacked, as his team is currently four points behind Barcelona in La Liga.

The Athletic reports that Real have a shortlist of candidates in case they decide to part ways with Alonso, with Álvaro Arbeloa being highly regarded for the position.

The former Liverpool and Real Madrid defender currently manages the reserve team, Real Madrid Castilla, which plays in Spain's Third Division.

The English medium also highlights the trust and affection that Florentino Pérez has for Zinedine Zidane.

However, it remains unclear whether a move would be made for him.

In recent weeks, sources close to the 53-year-old have spoken of his desire to take charge of the French national team.

Pérez approached Zidane in similar circumstances in March 2019, following poor results under Julen Lopetegui and Santiago Solari.

This came despite the Frenchman's sensational departure in May 2018, after winning a third consecutive Champions League trophy.

In the post-match press conference, Alonso faced a series of questions about his position.

“I believe that together we know we can turn things around,” he said. “We know what self-criticism and high standards mean at this club; we know that defeats hurt a lot, but we have to look forward.”

Alonso gave the team two days off after the 3-0 win over Athletic Club on Wednesday, a decision that was not well received. The move has been criticised at various levels within the club, with the reasoning being that the team needed more time to prepare against Celta./Express newspaper/

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