Real Madrid pressure grows on Alvaro Arbeloa amid fears he may not finish the season | OneFootball

Pressure is mounting on Alvaro Arbeloa at Real Madrid, his job likely hinging on winning La Liga or the Champions League. The next fortnight could be decisive.

Home whistles and loud calls for Florentino Pérez to resign followed Monday’s 0-1 loss to Getafe at the Bernabéu. According to L'Équipe, Arbeloa could be removed if results nosedive and only if a credible successor is available.

Appointed on 12 January to replace Xabi Alonso, Arbeloa has lost four of 12, to Albacete in the second tier, Benfica, Osasuna and Getafe. By contrast, his predecessor had six defeats in 34 before the Club World Cup, against Paris SG, Atlético de Madrid, Liverpool, Celta Vigo, Manchester City and Barcelona.

Directors were lukewarm on an appointment made by default and still doubt his capacity, yet are not contemplating an immediate change. An internal voice believes he might not see out the season if Liga and European hopes fade, and defeat at Celta Vigo on Friday, followed by a heavy home reverse to Manchester City five days later in the last 16 first leg, could make his position precarious.

The dressing room has never truly bought into the 43-year-old, viewing him as suited to Castilla rather than the first team, and questioning his tactics and man-management. For now, no back-up option convinces the hierarchy. Santiago Solari is viewed as the emergency fallback.

Without silverware, with Real second and four points off Barcelona, Arbeloa is unlikely to stay beyond this season, and many blame players.

Source: L'Équipe