Arbeloa will need to perform ‘miracles’, says former RM president Calderon

Former Real Madrid president Ramon Calderon believes Alvaro Arbeloa will need to perform “miracles” to succeed in his new role as head coach.

Arbeloa replaced Xabi Alonso in the role after the latter was relieved of his duties at the Santiago Bernabeu on Monday.

Alonso took charge of just 34 games for Los Blancos, winning 24 of those matches (D4 L6) at a win rate of 70.6%.

After reports of disagreements with his players earlier in the season, Alonso’s time at the helm came to an end following their Supercopa de Espana final defeat to Barcelona on Sunday.

Another former Madrid player, in Arbeloa, now takes on that responsibility, having coached at various levels of the club’s youth academy since 2020.

“His CV isn't the best for such a responsible position, but neither was Zidane's, and he won three Champions Leagues in a row,” Calderon told Stats Perform.

“Anyway, we'll have to wait and see. I don't know if the decision is for him to be a temporary replacement or if the idea is for him to be the permanent manager until the end of the season.

“It's not easy; the Real Madrid bench is very difficult. This is a club where winning is a must, and that demands a lot from everyone, from the president to the directors, the manager and the players.

“The squad is not going to change, there are no new signings. I don't know if miracles can be performed, but hopefully Arbeloa will be able to do it.”

Madrid are currently second in LaLiga, four points behind Barcelona, while they are also seventh in the league phase of the Champions League.

With Los Blancos also in the last 16 of the Copa del Rey, Calderon insisted that there is still plenty to play for this season.

“The team is very good, there are very good players, we're second in LaLiga, they're sure to qualify for the Champions League, and I hope they'll be one of the contenders to win the Copa del Rey. But we have to wait,” added Calderon.

“It's true that there isn't much patience at this club, the fans don't have it, and that's been a good thing because thanks to those high expectations, the legend has been built that has led this club to win more than twice as many Champions Leagues as the second-placed team, more La Liga titles than anyone else, in short, to be a leading club in the world.”