Mystery lingers around Alvaro Arbeloa’s contract length at Real Madrid | OneFootball

Last Monday was one filled with shake-ups at Real Madrid, as the club opted to dismiss Xabi Alonso as manager and replace him with Alvaro Arbeloa.

The 43-year-old former defender had been in charge of the Castilla team this season and was handed the keys to the first team by Florentino Perez & co.

In the official announcement of Arbeloa’s appointment, however, there was no mention of the length of his contract.

No clarity still

A full week has now gone since Arbeloa was named the Real Madrid head coach, but mystery still remains around his contract duration, reports The Athletic.

Indeed, there has not been any update on the kind of contract that the former right-back is on and the length it will run for.

On being asked by the aforementioned outlet, Real Madrid declined to comment in detail about the matter and dismissed it as ‘not important’.

However, sources close to the manager himself have suggested that the contract handed to the 43-year-old is not for this season alone and runs beyond that.

Arbeloa replaced Xabi Alonso as Real Madrid manager. (Photo by Denis Doyle/Getty Images)

What makes the situation even more intriguing is that Real Madrid continue to be linked with managers to take over at the end of the season.

Jurgen Klopp, for one, seemingly remains a popular choice within the club despite his attempts to downplay the interest from the Spanish capital club. Former Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca has also been touted as an option.

Players on board

However, from Arbeloa’s perspective, what is important is that the Real Madrid players seem to be on board with his plans for the team moving forward.

Following last week’s shock Copa del Rey loss to Albacete, the manager held a discussion with the squad where he did not react angrily and only asked for the players to show confidence.

A training ground source told The Athletic: “There is a good feeling between Arbeloa and the players. He is pushing them hard, but they are accepting it well.”

So, it remains to be seen how things evolve and whether Arbeloa is still in charge of the Real Madrid first team come summer.