Madrid in a Snit: Alonso Frustrated by Arbeloa Rumors in La Liga Drama
14 December 2025
Background and Rising Tensions
New tensions ignite Madrid as Xabi Alonso snaps at a question about Arbeloa.
Xabi Alonso, Real Madrid's coach, voiced his displeasure at reports suggesting Álvaro Arbeloa, the Castilla coach, could succeed him this season.
The rumours circulated in recent days after Real Madrid's results slid under Alonso's leadership.
The latest question in Alonso's pre-match press conference ahead of the Deportivo Alavés game concerned Arbeloa's potential appointment, and Alonso suggested that Arbeloa could become a coach in the future and that he is doing very good work.
According to Radio Catalunya, the Madrid boss did not hide his irritation as he left the press room after being asked about Arbeloa.
It was noted that Alonso looked clearly annoyed, and while he praised his former colleague, he denied confirming rumours about a future succession on the Bernabéu bench.
Team News and La Liga Context
For the Alavés match, Alonso's selection included the return of Din Huisen and Kylian Mbappé, while Álvaro Carerras, Endrick, and Ferran García were suspended, and Ferland Mendy, Dani Carvajal, Alexander-Arnold, David Alaba, Eder Militao and Eduardo Camavinga were sidelined by injury.
Real Madrid sit second in La Liga with 36 points, seven behind leaders Barcelona.
Spanish outlets have suggested that Alonso could be dismissed if the team loses today's match against Deportivo Alavés.
Punchline 1: If press conferences paid by the hour, Alonso would bill us for overtime.
Punchline 2: Arbeloa's coaching future might turn into a soap opera—just with better tactics and worse ratings at the Bernabéu.