Real Madrid managerial candidate backs Xabi Alonso, denies talks with club | OneFootball

At a time when Xabi Alonso has faced immense scrutiny over his position as Real Madrid manager, Alvaro Arbeloa has emerged as one of the top candidates to replace him.

Currently the head coach of Castilla, Arbeloa has done a brilliant job leading the youth team and has played a key role in developing some of the academy stars.

Recent reports suggest Arbeloa has been readied by Real Madrid as the replacement for Alonso should he get axed this weekend.

Arbeloa defends Xabi Alonso

However, speaking after Castilla’s 3-1 win over CD Guadalajara, who are the Copa Del Rey opponents for Barcelona, Arbeloa defended Xabi Alonso and backed him to lead Real Madrid into winning ways.

“Xabi is a great friend of mine, that’s why he talks about me and I about him, and nothing will change my opinion that he is an exceptional coach,” he said (h/t Cadena SER).

“The demands placed on a Real Madrid coach are very high. We’ve discussed all of this this week, the youth players, the players we had for training… We have a good relationship, and that will never change,” he added.

What’s next for Xabi Alonso’s future? (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)

Arbeloa went on to state that Real Madrid are not ‘dead’ yet.

“Throughout the season, there are always ups and downs, regardless of the team, but if there is anyone in the world who wants to think that Real Madrid is dead, they are quite wrong because they don’t know Real Madrid,” he said.

The Real Madrid youth coach was aso asked about recent rumours linking him as a direct replacement for Xabi Alonso.

In response, the former right-back denied having any talks with the management and maintained that he is still the Castilla coach.

“I’m the Castilla coach. I’m focused on that, on Tuesday’s match against Manchester City and the one we have next Saturday at Balaidos against Celta Fortuna. There’s nothing else on my mind,” he said.

It must be noted that Xabi himself fueled rumours about Arbeloa by calling him a ‘future Real Madrid coach’ in a recent press conference.

For now, all eyes will be on Real Madrid’s game against Alaves, with reports claiming that another mishap could lead to the sacking of Alonso.