Real Madrid accept Arbeloa appointment in haste was a mistake – report | OneFootball

According to AS, the Real Madrid management has acknowledged a fundamental error in their recent leadership strategy, conceding that the “hasty” decision to appoint Alvaro Arbeloa was a major misstep.

The former defender was brought in to replace Xabi Alonso in January after inedine Zidane’s refusal to return for a third spell at the Santiago Bernabeu.

The French legend’s rejection that left the club scrambling for a replacement and ultimately opting for Arbeloa’s internal promotion that has struggled to maintain squad order.

Squad in complete disarray

While a recent physical altercation between Federico Valverde and Aurélien Tchouameni grabbed headlines, the deeper issue lies in Arbeloa’s deteriorating relationship with the squad’s Spanish core.

At least six players in the squad have effectively stopped speaking to the manager.

Arbeloa has had problems with several players in the team, including club captain and legend Dani Carvajal, who will now depart at the end of the season.

Dani Ceballos has also had a falling out with the coach following a heated argument over playing time, while starlet Raul Asencio was sidelined after a similar dispute.

Real Madrid admit Arbeloa appointment was a mistake. (Photo by Lars Baron/Getty Images)

Even full-back Alvaro Carreras has fallen out with Arbeloa, notably being caught on camera laughing when overlooked for a substitution.

Perhaps most damaging is the report of Arbeloa’s inaction during the height of the recent training ground fight which left the club board surprised and unhappy.

Instead of helping bring back order in the dressing room since taking over the reins, the former right-back has become overwhelmed by the situation.

While unprecedented sanctions loom for the involved players, the spotlight remains firmly on the board’s managerial misstep.

As the season nears an acrimonious end, the priority at the Bernabeu has shifted to finding a leader capable of restoring the values of respect and discipline that have vanished under Arbeloa’s watch – with Jose Mourinho being the man linked heavily to the job.