Three things Carlo Ancelotti liked most about Álvaro Arbeloa

Just seven months after appointing him as head coach, Real Madrid have parted company with Xabi Alonso.

The decision comes one day after a underwhelming loss to Barcelona in the final of the Spanish Super Cup. One year ago Alonso was the most coveted coach in world soccer after leading unfancied Bayer Leverkusen to the championship in Germany. Now, he leaves the Bernabéu after just 34 games at the helm.

Coming in to replace him is Álvaro Arbeloa, another former player with a promising reputation as a young coach. Arbeloa played 237 games for Real Madrid and was adored by coaches for his responsible, reliable performances.

What did Carlo Ancelotti say about Álvaro Arbeloa?

In the history of Real Madrid, few coaches can be said to have ‘got’ the club like Carlo Ancelotti. The Italian won three Champions Leagues, two La Liga titles and two Copa del Rey in the Spanish capital and remains a favorite with Madrid fans.

He spent two spells at the Bernabéu, notably ending the team’s long wait for a tenth Champions League title in his first stint with Madrid. Arbeloa was a part of the team that lifted the trophy in 2013/14 and Ancelotti was full of praise for the full-back.

“We miss Arbeloa,” Ancelotti said in 2014, responding to a question about an injury to the Spaniard. “We miss his attitude, personality and professionalism in the field and in training."

Those three characteristic - attitude, personality, professionalism - will be crucial if he is to succeed at Real Madrid as a coach. Never the most talented of players, Arbeloa managed to maximize his ability and support the team in whatever way he could.

Speaking in 2023, Ancelotti actually cited Arbeloa as one of three former Real Madrid players who could be Real Madrid managers of the future. He picked out Arbeloa, Alonso and Raúl as players that he “would like to see” in charge.

“I hope one day Xabi Alonso, Raúl or Arbeloa can be Real Madrid managers — because I know them, I love them, and I want that for them‚" Ancelotti said.

Alonso’s chance has come and gone. Now, it’s up to Arbeloa to test himself in the most demanding job in world soccer.