Key Takeaways:
- Real Madrid suffered a stunning Copa del Rey exit to Segunda side Albacete in Alvaro Arbeloa’s first match in charge
- Senior figures at the club intend to formally warn players, having attributed blame for the defeat to the squad rather than management
- Despite the setback, the Real Madrid board retains confidence in Arbeloa and plans for him to remain manager until the end of the season
Early Exit Sparks Internal Criticism
Real Madrid endured a disastrous start to the Alvaro Arbeloa era as the team crashed out of the Copa del Rey to second-tier Albacete on Wednesday. The newly-appointed manager opted to field a youthful side, leaving out established stars Thibaut Courtois, Jude Bellingham, and Kylian Mbappe for the fixture.
Following the unexpected defeat, Arbeloa cited squad fitness issues and accepted responsibility for the result, referencing his predecessor Xabi Alonso. However, according to Diario AS, the club’s hierarchy considers the players themselves chiefly responsible for the cup elimination, asserting that recent changes in management leave little room for excuses among the squad. As a result, club officials are preparing to issue a formal warning to the players.
🚨 BREAKING: Real Madrid's board have decided to contact the players before the Levante game and DIRECTY tell them: "Xabi Alonso is no longer here, so now YOU are to blame for everything." @diarioas pic.twitter.com/CZxbeqeh5X
— Madrid Zone (@theMadridZone) January 15, 2026
Boardroom Division Over Managerial Appointment
Reports of dissatisfaction with Alonso’s tenure first emerged in early December, with the Real Madrid board reportedly divided on whether to instate Arbeloa at that stage or allow Alonso additional time to deliver improvements. Those who advocated for Arbeloa’s earlier appointment now view the Albacete defeat as validation that the squad’s performance levels have failed to recover, bolstering their original position.
Future Plans and Managerial Confidence
Despite speculation linking Los Blancos with potential new managerial candidates for next season, the board continues to back Arbeloa. With responsibility for the Albacete defeat ascribed to the players, Real Madrid’s leadership intends for Arbeloa to remain at the helm until the summer. Still, there is internal recognition that the loss has somewhat undermined his authority, regardless of broader team form across La Liga and the Champions League. Questions linger over the extent of impact any managerial change can have for the remainder of the campaign.
