Former Real Madrid defender Álvaro Arbeloa has opened up on the nightmare he endured under Carlo Ancelotti and Xabi Alonso, revealing the difficult period he faced at the club.
Speaking in a recent interview, Arbeloa described the 2026 season as a turning point in his relationship with the coaching staff. He admitted that the dynamic with Ancelotti and Alonso became increasingly strained, leaving him feeling isolated within the squad.
“It was a tough time for me,” Arbeloa said. “I felt like I was living a nightmare. The trust just wasn’t there anymore, and that’s hard for any player to handle.”
The former right-back, who came through Real Madrid’s youth system, pointed to specific incidents during training sessions and match preparations that highlighted the growing tension. He claimed that communication broke down, and he was often left out of key decisions.
Arbeloa also reflected on his relationship with Xabi Alonso, his former teammate turned coach. “Xabi is a great professional, but things changed when he moved into the coaching role. It was no longer the same bond we had on the pitch.”
The 2026 campaign proved to be a challenging one for Arbeloa, who struggled for minutes and felt increasingly sidelined. He admitted that the situation took a toll on his mental state and performance levels.
“I love this club, but there were moments when I questioned everything. You never expect to go through something like that at Real Madrid,” he added.
Despite the difficulties, Arbeloa insisted he holds no grudges. He acknowledged that football is a demanding business and that coaches have to make tough decisions. However, he made it clear that the experience left a lasting mark on him.
“I learned a lot from that period. It made me stronger, even if it was painful at the time.”
The revelations have sparked debate among Real Madrid fans, with many expressing sympathy for Arbeloa’s ordeal. The club has not issued any official response to his comments.
