Álvaro Arbeloa sat before an almost full press room at Valdebebas on Tuesday, speaking publicly for the first time as Real Madrid’s new head coach ahead of Wednesday’s Copa del Rey match away to Albacete.
The 42-year-old, promoted from Castilla after Xabi Alonso’s departure, mixed emotion with clarity. This was, he said, a special day at a club that has defined his life.
“I’m not going to lie to you, I’ve been in this house for 20 years and for me it’s a special day,” Arbeloa said. “I’m aware of the responsibility and the task I have ahead of me, but I have great enthusiasm.”
The change came quickly. Arbeloa revealed he was informed only on Monday afternoon that an agreement had been reached with Alonso, who has already said goodbye to the club on social media.
“I spoke to Xabi,” he said. “Everyone here knows how much I appreciate him and how much I love him. That will continue to be mutual. Our friendship is above many things.”
Before Arbeloa spoke, Emilio Butragueño offered words of support on behalf of the club, addressing both the new coach and his predecessor.
“This is your home and we are all going to help you so that the dreams of all the fans are fulfilled in this enormous challenge,” Butragueño said to Arbeloa. “Xabi knows that this will always be his home. He is a legend of our club and a great example. The decision has been taken by mutual agreement and we wish him all the best for his future.”
Arbeloa avoided any discussion of contract length but underlined his long-term commitment.
“I’ll be here until Madrid wants me to be,” he said. “This is my home and it always will be. I’m looking forward to starting. I have an extraordinary squad.”
Central to his message was trust in his players and a belief that motivation will not be an issue, despite recent criticism following the Super Cup final.
“There are people here with six European Cups,” he said. “They have been champions and sometimes that is forgotten quickly. There’s no one more interested in winning than the players. I know what it’s like to be a Madrid player. I told them this morning that the best time of my life was as a Madrid player.”
When asked about style of play, Arbeloa was blunt. Winning comes first.
“This club has more than 100 years of history and it is difficult to be recognised here for playing well,” he said. “They won three Champions Leagues in a row and people said it was because they watered the garden after training. Here, you have to win.”
The youth academy will remain central under his leadership. Arbeloa, who has worked closely with La Fábrica, described it as the best academy in the world and made clear that young players will have opportunities.
“They know that the first-team coach knows them better than anyone,” he said. “I count on them.”
He also acknowledged the influence of José Mourinho on his coaching outlook, while stressing his own identity.
“It was a privilege to train with him and I have a great relationship with him,” Arbeloa said. “He influenced me a lot, but if I wanted to be him I would fail miserably. I am Arbeloa.”
On the technical staff, Arbeloa confirmed full confidence in fitness coach Antonio Pintus.
“It’s a privilege to have him,” he said. “He is exceptional, he knows the players very well and we know how well he has worked in this house.”
Arbeloa summed up his philosophy with a phrase borrowed from Luis Aragonés.
“This club is to win, win and win again,” he said. “That’s in our DNA. That’s what has filled the trophy cabinet and that’s my obsession.”
He also made a point of backing Vinícius Júnior, making clear that any past issues are behind them.
“I’m enormously lucky to have one of the most unbalancing players in the world,” Arbeloa said. “I want to see a Vini who enjoys himself and dances. That’s what I want.”
With Albacete up next, Arbeloa insisted that everything starts anew.
“All the players start from scratch,” he said. “This is a new beginning for everyone. We have to win in Albacete, and I can see how eager the players are.”
