Doubts over Alvaro Arbeloa growing at Real Madrid after setback against Getafe | OneFootball

While it was never going to be easy for him, Alvaro Arbeloa is starting to feel the pressure of being the Real Madrid manager.

Plucked out and promoted to the first-team head coach position from Castilla after Xabi Alonso’s sacking, the former defender seemed to be getting things on track despite there being some hiccups along the way.

However, now, it appears like the ‘Arbeloa effect’ has faded, with the team losing back-to-back La Liga games against Osasuna and Getafe.

Doubts seeping in

Now, AS reports that doubts have settled in and starting to grow at Real Madrid over Arbeloa and his suitability to the job.

Even before the match against Getafe there was frustration over losing top spot in La Liga, but after the defeat to Jose Bordalas’ side there are few arguments left to defend what the Real Madrid coach has produced in recent weeks.

The current assessment is that, with three months of the season remaining, the road ahead could be very difficult on every level.

Pressure growing on Arbeloa. (Photo by Florencia Tan Jun/Getty Images)

A change in image was sought, both in terms of playing style and physical performance, and at Valdebebas there was belief that the new man on the bench could re-energise the team. It is clear that he has not achieved that and that the team’s level has dropped.

As such, the UEFA Champions League is seen as his only lifeline.

La Liga slipping away?

Beyond the Copa del Rey setback against Albacete in his first game in charge, first there were concerns about players being deployed out of their natural positions, and now the lack of results has revived doubts about everything.

Seeing Barcelona four points ahead hurts, and within the club explanations are being sought beyond injuries, with Manchester City looming on the horizon.

The players are not immune from scrutiny regarding their performances, but the coach carries the heaviest burden.

Osasuna and Getafe have handed La Liga back to Barcelona at a time when they were struggling most, and the feeling at Real Madrid is that not enough was done to prevent it.

The best news for Arbeloa is that in just over a week the Champions League returns, bringing Man City and Pep Guardiola to the Santiago Bernabeu. And the manager has eight days to revive his players who appear to have switched off.