Real Madrid have selected Xabi Alonso’s replacement in case of potential sacking – report | OneFootball

Real Madrid are gearing up for perhaps their most important game of the season as they take on Deportivo Alaves on Sunday.

It is a make-or-break game for Xabi Alonso, who has been under immense pressure amid a series of poor results that have helped Barcelona secure a comfortable lead at the top of the table.

The pressure on Alonso intensified after the midweek defeat to Man City, and now, another mishap against Alaves could be the final straw for the management.

Arbeloa readied as a replacement

According to journalist Manu Carreno (h/t ElDesmarque), Real Madrid have already readied Alvaro Arbeloa as a potential replacement for Xabi Alonso, should he get the axe this weekend.

Therefore, all eyes will be on Sunday as Los Blancos look to secure an important win, failing which Barcelona may bag a solid lead heading into the final few matches of the year.

Xabi Alonso faces an important day tomorrow. (Photo by Denis Doyle/Getty Images)

It will also culminate in the sacking of Alonso, who has had a difficult time trying to find the right balance between his tactics and the players’ egos.

The onus then will be on Arbeloa, who has had some extensive experience in managing the youth team and has played a key role in the development of multiple academy players.

Arbeloa’s lack of experience in coaching a professional football team is going to weigh heavily on Real Madrid.

But with top coaches Zinedine Zidane and Jurgen Klopp out of the picture, Real Madrid may have no option but to hand Arbeloa an opportunity to prove himself, ideally during the second half of the season.

If the former right-back continues his excellent work from the youth team, it won’t be surprising to see Real Madrid considering a full-time role for the former defender.