Arbeloa: 13 Wins in 14 Games, I Give Alonso a Perfect Score for His Start as Real Madrid Coach

Arbeloa, head coach of Real Madrid Castilla (Real Madrid’s B team), stated in an interview that he gives a perfect score to Xabi Alonso’s start as head coach of Real Madrid’s first team.

This summer, both Real Madrid’s first team and B team changed their coaches. Alonso succeeded Ancelotti as Real Madrid’s first-team coach, while Arbeloa took over from Raul to manage Castilla. Currently, Real Madrid’s first team has won six consecutive games in all competitions, and Castilla has achieved five consecutive wins—both teams have performed excellently. Alonso and Arbeloa were former teammates at both Liverpool and Real Madrid.

When asked by the media what score he would give his old friend Alonso for his coaching at Real Madrid, Arbeloa replied: “It’s simple, full marks. Alonso has done an excellent job, it’s extraordinary. I can’t remember such a start to a season—13 wins in the first 14 games, that’s amazing. Most importantly, I see the personal stamp and unique style that Alonso has brought: the team has strong dominance, recovers the ball quickly, the whole team plays in coordination on the field, and the center-backs are also close to the forwards… I believe he will get better and better, and I can only give this friend full marks.”

Currently, Castilla has climbed to third place in the league standings and has hopes of promotion. Arbeloa continued: “I always tell the players that we must be ambitious. Indeed, it’s not easy for Castilla to rank among the top. Since being relegated 11 years ago, Castilla has participated in the league promotion play-offs four times, while during the same period, Real Madrid’s first team has won five Champions League trophies. From this perspective, it’s easier for Alonso to lead his team to win the Champions League than for me to lead mine to qualify for the promotion play-offs.”

Arbeloa concluded: “But in any case, we must maintain ambition, do our best, and strive to become better players every day. We are a team full of talent. As long as we continue to play like we do now, we should not set a ceiling for this team and must pursue the highest goals as much as possible.”