Real Madrid's Champions League exit leads to decision on coach Arbeloa

Real Madrid's leadership is reportedly set to make a decision regarding coach Alvaro Arbeloa's future following the defeat to Bayern Munich in the Champions League quarter-finals.

The elimination of Real Madrid from the Champions League by Bayern Munich will undoubtedly trigger a new period of upheaval at the Royal club, starting with the position of coach Alvaro Arbeloa.

According to The Athletic, coach Alvaro Arbeloa is highly likely to be dismissed, though he may still lead the team until the end of the season. Notably, the Spanish strategist was only appointed in January to replace Xabi Alonso, aiming to improve the team's results.

The 4-3 loss at the Allianz Arena and the overall 6-4 defeat means Real Madrid is almost certain to end the season without winning any major trophy.

They also were eliminated from the Spanish King's Cup by second-tier Albacete in Arbeloa's very first match. Meanwhile, Los Blancos currently rank second in La Liga, trailing leaders Barcelona by nine points, with seven rounds remaining including the El Clasico at Camp Nou on May 10, where the Catalan side could secure the title.

Real Madrid also ended the 2024/25 season without a major trophy. The last time they experienced two consecutive trophy-less seasons was 16 years ago. Under president Florentino Perez, only one coach has finished a season empty-handed yet retained his position the following season: Zinedine Zidane.

Therefore, if Arbeloa departs, it would not be too surprising. When asked about his future after the latest defeat, the 43-year-old coach stated: "At this moment, I am not thinking about that. I reiterate: it is the club's decision, and I remain a loyal person. What I want is simply for Real Madrid to win, regardless of who is in charge."

However, the current situation at Real Madrid is somewhat different. A major overhaul may be underway across various parts of the club, following a turbulent period over recent months, even by their own standards.