Alvaro Arbeloa’s era at Real Madrid began with turbulence, especially given how Real Madrid terminated Xabi Alonso’s contract abruptly and instantly named his close friend as the new coach.
Arbeloa, thus, moved up from Real Madrid Castilla with immediate effect and will oversee his first game as coach later today as Real Madrid take on Albacete in the Copa del Rey Round of 16.
His appointment, by and large, has been seen to be an interim arrangement, as has been the case after mid-season sackings in the past. MARCA, however, relay that the reality is very different.
Indeed, as reported by the outlet, Arbeloa has signed a contract with Real Madrid that extends beyond the end of the current season. He is not an interim coach and is a full-time appointment as it stands.
The deal he signed with the club sees him bound as the first-team manager beyond June, although there is no clarity on its exact duration.
Needless to say, however, his continuity for next season will depend on what he achieves in what remains of this campaign.
Real Madrid’s administration admires his style of coaching, his no-nonsense attitude and sees him as an able option to oversee a long-term project.
He will only be replaced if the objectives the board have in mind for this season are not met, and high on that list will be winning a major title.
Speaking to the media yesterday, however, the newly appointed manager preferred to err on the side of caution and did not give any specific timeline when asked if he would stay beyond this season.
"I’ve been here for 20 years, and I’ll stay as long as Madrid wants me to. This is my home, that’s how I feel," he said.
Needless to say, he knows that his future at the club is in his own hands and he will look to ensure he has a reasonably long stint at the biggest club in the world.