It’s early, but Madrid look far more engaged under Álvaro Arbeloa than during the final months of Xabi Alonso’s tenure. The change is visible in energy, focus, and collective discipline.
Arbeloa’s approach has been straightforward: simple game plans, defined responsibilities, and confidence in the squad. Rather than constant tactical experimentation, he has emphasized clarity and emotional buy-in.
The result is a side playing with more cohesion and fewer self-inflicted errors.