Real Madrid president Florentino Pérez has expressed his strong dissatisfaction with the Spanish Football Federation’s (RFEF) decision to appoint Álvaro Arbeloa as the new coach of the Spanish Under-21 national team.
The federation officially confirmed Arbeloa’s appointment on Tuesday, July 16, 2024, with a contract running until the 2026 UEFA European Under-21 Championship. The former Real Madrid and Spain defender succeeds Santi Denia, who now leads the senior national team.
According to reports from the Spanish radio station Cadena SER, Pérez is deeply upset by the move. The president’s frustration stems from the fact that Arbeloa, a revered figure at the club’s academy, was taken from his role as the coach of Real Madrid’s Juvenil A (U19) team without any prior communication or negotiation with the club.
Pérez believes the RFEF’s approach lacked respect for Real Madrid’s institutional standing. The club feels it was presented with a *fait accompli*, learning of the decision only through the official announcement. This manner of proceeding, bypassing the club entirely, is seen as a significant breach of protocol.
Álvaro Arbeloa, 41, enjoyed a successful playing career with Real Madrid between 2009 and 2016, winning major trophies including the Champions League. After retiring, he returned to the club’s youth setup, where he has been highly regarded for his work developing young talent.
The RFEF, for its part, has stated that Arbeloa was their chosen candidate to lead the new project for the U-21 side. They view his deep understanding of the national team’s playing philosophy and his successful track record with youth players as ideal qualifications for the role.
Despite the federation’s rationale, the manner of the appointment has opened a fresh rift between the Spanish football governing body and the country’s most powerful club. Real Madrid’s displeasure is clear, marking a contentious start to Arbeloa’s new tenure with the national team setup.
