“Win with a majority of votes”

Real's in-house newspaper Marca claims that if elections were held at the club tomorrow, Alvaro Arbeloa would win the job of coach “with an overwhelming majority. Not an absolute majority, but a comfortable one”.

Brand: “Players feel comfortable with Alvaro Arbeloa”

Arguments? Brought from the second team, as “interim”, after the separation from Xabi Alonso, Arbeloa conquered the locker room, and his influence now has a significant weight among the players – claims the quoted publication.

The newspaper's reporter at the Whites' training base noted the “real impact” the Spanish technician has had on the team: “A large part of the squad feels comfortable and at ease with him. This is reflected in the positive atmosphere that has set in every day at Valdebebas. He has also earned respect through the many thoughtful decisions he has made since taking over“.

Alvaro Arbeloa brought together the Real Madrid dressing room

One of Arbeloa's main weapons in uniting a divided group after the departure of Xabi Alonso was communication. “During Xabi's time there were two camps: those who did not support him and those who vehemently opposed his departure. It was one of the many problems that Arbeloa faced after his promotion, and solving it was not an easy task,” reveals Marca.

Then there is the footballing aspect: “Recent results have reinforced the coach's approach, his tactical planning, his preparation, the success of tactical adjustments that have improved the team, his courage and his handling of a critical situation with many injuries. The team has confidence in his work and the results reinforce that confidence. Arbeloa conquered the team with the brilliance of a great strategist“.

Vinicius and Fede Valverde are the main supporters of Alvaro Arbeloa

The most important sports newspaper in Spain also reveals the key players who are devoted to him: “Vinicius and Valverde are two of them. A pair that was under observation in the Xabi era, but who, together with Arbeloa, rediscovered their smile and their best form.

They feel important and have embraced the new project. Courtois, Tchouaméni and Rüdiger are three other leaders who support Arbeloa's bid to stay at the helm next season.”

Jurgen Klopp // photo: Gulliver/gettyimages

Jurgen Klopp says Real Madrid never approached him

Long touted as the future coach of the multiple Spanish champions, Jurgen Klopp denied that Real Madrid had contacted him. “When is a story a story? When someone takes a piece of paper and writes something on it? Or when there's actually something behind it?”

If Real Madrid ever called me? Never, not once in my coaching career“, explained the German technician. With a hint of irony, the coach added: “I will also take over Atletico Madrid, preferably at the same time. Sorry Madrid, you will have to call first!”.