Rabat – Real Madrid’s elimination from the Champions League against Bayern Munich has sparked another wave of uncertainty at the Bernabeu.
The 4-3 defeat in Germany on Wednesday, which sealed a 6-4 aggregate loss, leaves the club almost certain to finish the season without a major trophy.
Manager Alvaro Arbeloa, appointed only in January to replace Xabi Alonso, now faces an uncertain future.
His tenure began with a shock Copa del Rey exit to second‑division Albacete, and Madrid trail Barcelona by nine points in La Liga with seven games left. A Clásico at Camp Nou on May 10 could see the Catalans clinch the title.
Madrid also ended last season without silverware. The last time they went two consecutive years without a major trophy was 16 years ago.
Under Florentino Pérez, only Zinedine Zidane has survived a season without a title and returned the following year.
“Right now, I’m not thinking about any of that at all. It’s the club’s decision. All I want is for Real Madrid to win, regardless of who’s in charge,” Arbeola said after the Bayern defeat.
The situation goes beyond the coach. Madrid have gone through months of turbulence, with questions about squad balance, injuries, and internal management.
Both Carlo Ancelotti and Alonso believed reinforcements were needed, particularly in midfield and defense. Sources close to the staff described the team as “impossible to coach,” citing the influence of star players and a lack of harmony.
Injuries have compounded the problems. Disputes between fitness coach Antonio Pintus and medical staff have been frequent. Reports of misdiagnoses, including an error in Kylian Mbappé’s knee assessment, have added to the frustration.
Who could replace Arbeloa?
Speculation about Arbeloa’s successor has already begun. Jurgen Klopp has been mentioned, though he insists he is committed to his role as Red Bull’s global head of soccer.
Zidane remains admired by Perez, but he could turn his attention to the French national team after the World Cup. Didier Deschamps has also been mentioned as a possible candidate.
Mauricio Pochettino, currently coaching the US until the end of the World Cup, is considered a strong option.
Beyond the manager, there have been calls for Madrid to appoint a director of football to bring greater structure to recruitment and planning.
At present, general director Jose Angel Sanchez, chief scout Juni Calafat, and Perez himself oversee signings. Former player Santiago Solari holds the title in name, but his influence is limited.
Some insiders believe a rebuild is essential, even suggesting the sale of a major star to fund reinforcements. Others argue that the club’s structure itself needs reform to reduce confusion and power struggles.
What next?
Arbeloa is expected to see out the season. His relationship with Perez and his role as a “club man” could allow him to stay within the organization in another role, even if he is removed as coach. But the mood around Madrid is clear: change is coming.
The defeat to Bayern was not just another European setback. It exposed deeper issues in squad construction, medical management, and leadership.
With Barcelona closing in on the league title and two barren seasons behind them, Madrid face a summer of decisions that could reshape the club.
“I’m not worried about my future. I’ve done everything I could to help my players win every day,” Arbeloa himself admitted.