"Alvaro Arbeloa addressed the media for the first time as Real Madrid coach on Tuesday, speaking in Madrid ahead of the Copa del Rey round of 16 clash against Albacete, a day after Xabi Alonso's departure. Footage shows the Real Madrid squad training in Ciudad Real Madrid, with Arbeloa leading the team and the new manager participating in the press conference. "Yesterday afternoon, I was informed that both Xabi and the club had mutually agreed to part ways and that they wanted me to take on the responsibility and position of first-team coach," he confirmed Arbeloa added that he already spoke to Xabi Alonso, noting, "You all know the relationship I have with him, the friendship that binds us together." He acknowledged the weight of the role, stating, "I am aware of the responsibility I have for the wonderful company and the task ahead of me, and as you say, I am very, very excited about it." "I am going to be Alvaro Arbeloa, because it is true that I am not afraid of failure," the coach proclaimed, adding that trying to emulate others would lead to defeat. He also praised forward Vinicius Junior, calling him "one of the most unbalancing players in the world," and said the focus is on seeing Vinicius who "smiles, enjoys himself [...] and makes a difference." In 2020, Arbeloa joined Real Madrid as a coach for the under-14 side. In May 2025, he replaced Raul Gonzalez at the helm of Real Madrid Castilla. Arbeloa took charge at the start of the 2025-26 season and stepped down after Sunday's Super Cup final defeat to Barcelona in Jeddah. Real Madrid are currently second in La Liga, with two defeats in 19 matches, and seventh in the Champions League, with four wins and two losses."