Ivan Helguera
March 2026
Helguera said Madrid acted too quickly by ending Alonso’s project and should have waited longer before judging results. He argued the club panicked during a rough spell, saying a fair assessment should have been in February or March, noting Alonso left a day after a 3-2 Supercopa final loss to Barcelona and amid reported tactical friction with Vinicius Junior.
Vinícius Júnior
February 2026
Flamengo’s president outlined a cautious stance on re-signing Vinícius as speculation builds around his Madrid future. The forward’s deal is described as nearing its final year, with past reports of friction and delayed renewal talks. The piece says Vinícius is more open to renewing after Alonso’s departure, while Arbeloa publicly distanced himself from contract matters. Flamengo’s sporting director joked about a free return if the contract runs down, but the president position is framed as non-committal for now.
Alvaro Arbeloa
January 2026
Arbeloa says he told Bellingham to “stop running” in training, praising his work rate and leadership while urging him to manage output and conserve energy. Arbeloa frames Bellingham as a long-term cornerstone, highlighting his intensity 48 hours after a match and suggesting smarter energy management for longevity and performance balance.
Alvaro Arbeloa
January 2026
Arbeloa said Vinicius renewal negotiations are not in his control and publicly stated he hopes the forward stays, while refusing to demand signings and pointing to La Fabrica as the solution for gaps. Arbeloa framed the contract situation as between the club and player, and repeatedly shut down questions about board backing by stating he has an “extraordinary squad” and a strong youth pipeline.
Vinicius Junior
January 2026
Vinicius said recent whistles at the Bernabeu have affected him and asked supporters to back the team, while stressing he wants focus on his football, not off-field drama or coaching changes. He said he felt uncomfortable because mistakes were met with boos, accepted fans’ right to demand more, denied influencing Alonso’s exit, and called for unity after recent setbacks. He also played down contract noise and said he remains calm with just over a year left on his deal.
Alvaro Arbeloa
January 2026
Arbeloa criticised supporters who chanted “Florentino resign” during his first home league win, arguing the protest came from people who do not truly support the club. After replacing Xabi Alonso and starting with a Copa del Rey upset loss to Albacete, Arbeloa steadied things with a Levante win via second-half goals from Mbappe and Asencio, but the match was dominated by sustained anti-Perez chants from early on.
Real Madrid
January 2026
Madrid won 2-0 after a flat first half, with Mbappe scoring a second-half penalty and Asencio adding a headed goal from a corner to secure the points. Arbeloa changed the flow by introducing Arda Guler for more midfield invention, increasing tempo and chance creation. Mbappe won and converted a penalty, then Madrid capitalised on a set piece, managing the game despite a few Levante counters.
Jurgen Klopp
January 2026
Klopp said he was genuinely surprised by Madrid’s decision and rejected any suggestion he is a candidate to replace Alonso. He framed the sacking as proof of extreme expectations and short time horizons at Madrid, saying the situation did not trigger any desire to return to management.
