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Real Madrid have reportedly shortlisted Santiago Solari and Alvaro Arbeloa as potential interim managers should Xabi Alonso be dismissed from his role, with the club preparing contingency plans following a 2-0 defeat to Celta Vigo and ahead of their crucial Champions League fixture against Manchester City.
Real Madrid Prepare Solari and Arbeloa as Interim Options Amid Alonso Uncertainty
Alonso’s position at the Santiago Bernabeu has come under intense scrutiny following the disappointing loss to Celta Vigo, with another defeat against Manchester City in the Champions League potentially sealing his fate as Real Madrid manager. The club hierarchy are understood to be evaluating his future ahead of the midweek European fixture against the Premier League champions.
According to El Larguero, both Solari and Arbeloa have emerged as the leading candidates to take temporary charge should the club decide to make a managerial change. Santiago Solari, who currently serves as Real Madrid’s Director of Professional Football, previously held the caretaker manager position in 2018 and possesses the coaching experience necessary to guide the team through the remainder of the campaign.
Arbeloa represents an alternative option as the current head coach of Real Madrid Castilla, having established himself as a respected figure within the club’s academy system. The former Spain international has played a key role in developing several academy players and is viewed as someone who could potentially transition from interim to permanent manager if he proves successful in the role.
While Solari is considered primarily as a short-term solution until the end of the season, Arbeloa offers greater long-term potential and could emerge as a permanent replacement for Alonso if given the opportunity to demonstrate his capabilities. Both candidates possess intimate knowledge of Real Madrid’s structure and philosophy, having served the club in various capacities throughout their careers.
The club will continue to monitor the situation closely as they prepare for the Champions League encounter with Manchester City, with Alonso’s future likely to be determined by the team’s performance in this crucial European fixture. Real Madrid remain in wait and watch mode as they assess their options ahead of what could prove to be a defining week for the current manager’s tenure.
