Luis Figo, the former Real Madrid icon, laid out a blueprint for steering the Merengues back on track in the coming period.
The sacking of Xabi Alonso as coach surprised everyone, as did the appointment of Álvaro Arbeloa as his successor. Even Figo, who knows the club from inside, was taken aback.
According to Mundo Deportivo, the Portuguese legend stressed the importance of backing the new coach.
“Appointing Arbeloa is a gamble by the board, and we must back him for the rest of the season. It’s a club decision,” Figo said.
He added, “Decisions are made by those in charge, and I won’t voice what Real Madrid should do next season.”
“The dismissal of Xabi Alonso is a surprise; we’re not even at mid‑season yet. In such circumstances, you don’t expect a coaching change, even after losing the trophy. I think that explains the surprise.”
But beyond all that, Figo pointed out that the priority is restoring stability at the Santiago Bernabéu as quickly as possible.
“The priority is getting back to normal in every respect; stability becomes crucial because the season is still long,” he concluded.
“Real Madrid faces two very important titles it can win (La Liga and the Champions League)… but we must improve in every aspect.”
Upcoming match and context
Meanwhile, the club prepares for a La Liga clash against Levante on January 17, 2026 at 14:00, with both teams eager to build momentum as the season deepens.
In the match context, Real Madrid will look to demonstrate the desired stability on the pitch and keep their title ambitions alive.
As for the broader picture, the board’s gamble will be weighed by results and the vibe around the Bernabéu as the season unfolds.
“The priority is getting back to normal… after a coach leaves, stability becomes crucial because the season is long,” Figo noted.
“Real Madrid can still win the league or the Champions League, but progress must be shown in every aspect.”
Punchline 1: If strategy were a chair, Arbeloa just sat on it and yelled, “Sit tight, I brought the sofa!”
Punchline 2: Figo might have predicted everything except how quickly football managers swap perfume after a bad run.
