The atmosphere at Valdebebas has undergone a total transformation. As of Tuesday, March 24, 2026, reports from Marca and Football España confirm that the Real Madrid squad has reached a near-unanimous consensus: they want Álvaro Arbeloa to remain as head coach for the 2026/27 season.
Just weeks ago, Arbeloa was under heavy pressure following a 1-0 loss to Getafe. Now, after a historic week that saw Madrid topple both Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City and Diego Simeone’s Atletico Madrid, the players are making their voices heard to Florentino Pérez.
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Winning Over the Heavyweights
When Arbeloa took over from Xabi Alonso in January, the dressing room was reportedly fractured. However, his tactical flexibility and "player-first" approach have won over the club's biggest stars.
The Vinícius Jr. Factor: Under Alonso, Vinícius had hit a dry spell and felt marginalized. Arbeloa has centered the attack around him again, resulting in 10 goals in his last 11 matches. Vini is now one of the coach's most vocal supporters.
Unlocking the Midfield: Arbeloa’s shift to a system that prioritizes the verticality of Fede Valverde has paid massive dividends. Valverde’s recent form has been described as "career-best," and he is reportedly leading the internal push for Arbeloa to stay.
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Tactical Versatility: The squad is reportedly "delighted" with the training methods and the tactical masterclasses shown in the Champions League knockout stages.
The President’s Dilemma: Arbeloa vs. The Elites
Despite the squad’s backing, Florentino Pérez is still weighing his options. The "Arbeloa Stay" campaign faces stiff competition from the club’s long-term targets:
The "Obsession": Pérez remains a massive admirer of Jürgen Klopp, who is the leading external candidate should the board decide on a more experienced hand.
The Zidane 3.0 Rumors: Some board members are still pushing for a third return of Zinedine Zidane, though the Frenchman is reportedly waiting for the France national team job post-World Cup 2026.
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The Allegri Shadow: Reports suggest AC Milan boss Massimiliano Allegri is also on the shortlist, though he lacks the "Madridismo" that Arbeloa provides.