Article by Daniel Scorpie – Published Wednesday, January 14, 2026, 3:07 p.m. / Updated Wednesday, January 14, 2026, 3:13 p.m.
His new coach real madrid, Alvaro Arbeloaprefaced his debut in charge of Los Blancos with Albacete in the Copa del Rey by giving a speech with a strong message. “It's a special day for me, I'm not old, I'm 42 years old and 20 at this club,” said Xabi Alonso's successor.
The Spanish coach, promoted from Real Castilla, said his friendship with Xabi Alonso will remain intact – “I want to enjoy it” – and acknowledged the influence Jose Mourinho has on him, although he insists he will not hate his style.
Alvaro Arbeloa: “It's a special day for me, I'm not an old coach. I'm 42 years old and 20 in total at Real Madrid”
“It's a special day for me, I'm not old, I'm 42 and 20 at Real Madrid. I am aware of the responsibility I have, and I have a great ambition and desire to confirm the trust placed.
Alvaro Arbeloa won 8 trophies with Real Madrid: 2 Champions Leagues, 1 Club World Championship, 1 European Super Cup, 1 Spanish league title, 2 Copa del Rey and 1 Spanish Super Cup
Arbeloa wanted to make it clear that he does not doubt the value of his players: “I think we all saw how we fought in the Supercup final. We have a big team, and here we have people with six Champions Leagues won and who are ready to forget the failure.
I will stay as long as Madrid is here, this is my home and it will always be like that… I have the strength to work and I'm glad that I have an extraordinary lot at my disposal
– Alvaro Arbeloathe coach of Real Madrid
The most beautiful stage of my life was as a Madrid player. I am very demanding, I want my team to play very well.
“We want to see a Vini who has fun and dances! Everyone starts over with me, it's a new start for Madrid”
Real Madrid won three European Championship titles because, after training, their players gave it their all on the pitch. That's how great performances are achieved.”
Alvaro Arbeloa did not avoid the hot topic related to the conflict Xabi Alonso had with Vinicius Junior: “I don't dwell on the scenarios that haven't happened yet. I'm incredibly lucky to have one of the most unpredictable players in the world.
Xabi Alonso and Vinicius jr did not have a good relationship / Photo: Imago
That's what we want to see a fun and dancing Vini. All the players are starting over with me, this is a new start for everyone.
We have to win in Albacete and I think all the players are very impatient and showed me their enthusiasm”,
