When Real Madrid dismissed Xabi Alonso in January 2026 — following a defeat to Barcelona and a series of poor results — the choice of his successor seemed logical and even reassuring. Álvaro Arbelos: one of their own, loyal, managing the academy since 2020, heading Castilla since June 2025. Precisely the person who would not betray them. The problem was that the club needed not loyalty — but effectiveness.

Legacy Without Tools

Arbelos inherited Real Madrid in a state that he himself described frankly: "The results are far from what Real Madrid should be showing. Talent alone is not enough to simply roll the ball and play individually. We need a plan, structure, a way to pressure the opponent." This quote from an April press conference before the Bayern Munich match essentially became a diagnosis of his entire tenure as coach.

Under his leadership, the team was eliminated from the Copa del Rey by Albacete — a Second Division club. In the Champions League, Real Madrid lost to Bayern Munich in the quarter-finals. In La Liga, the gap from Barcelona reached nine points with seven rounds remaining until the end of the season. According to ESPN, the season ended without a single trophy — the first time since 2010.

Mbappé as a Systemic Problem

Notably, the same structural weakness plagued three consecutive managers. As ESPN notes, Ancelotti, Alonso, and now Arbelos were unable to build a functional team system in which Mbappé, Vinicius, and Bellingham could all work simultaneously — especially against elite opponents. Mbappé scored 24 goals in La Liga this season, but his presence, according to ESPN's assessment, destabilized both the squad composition and the dressing room.

"Real Madrid is very grateful to Álvaro Arbelos, who throughout his time at the club has always demonstrated loyalty, dedication, and professionalism."

Official Real Madrid Statement

The wording is telling: the club thanks him for loyalty — not for results. Arbelos confirmed his departure before the season's end, with the final match becoming an official farewell.

What Next

According to Sports Illustrated, at least nine names are being considered as replacements. Arbelos, for his part, is already looking for new work — and, according to Yahoo Sports, has already missed one opportunity: Benfica chose Mourinho.

• Champions League Exit: Quarter-finals, loss to Bayern Munich
• La Liga: Nine points behind Barcelona with 7 matches remaining
• Copa del Rey: Elimination by Albacete (Segunda Division)
• Overall Summary: Real Madrid's first trophy-less season since 2010

The question that Real Madrid has postponed all season is now inevitable: if three different managers could not solve the same structural problem with Mbappé — does this mean the next manager faces the same trap, or will the club finally change not the person on the bench, but the logic of team construction itself?