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By John Ogunsemore
Real Madrid have reportedly identified reserve team coach Álvaro Arbeloa as a leading candidate to replace manager Xabi Alonso if the club decides to part ways with him.
Alonso has been under pressure due to a poor run of form, including Wednesday’s 2-1 UCL loss to Manchester City at the Bernabeu.
Club president Florentino Pérez and the board have reportedly discussed Alonso’s position in recent weeks, with some sources suggesting his fate could hinge on results in upcoming fixtures, including Sunday’s game at Alavés.
Alonso took over from Carlo Ancelotti in the summer after guiding Leverkusen to an unbeaten Bundesliga title.
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Spanish journalist Manu Carreño reported Friday that the club has “readied” Arbeloa, the current manager of Real Madrid Castilla, as a contingency option should Alonso be dismissed.
Arbeloa, 42, is a former Real Madrid and Liverpool defender who won the Champions League with Los Blancos in 2014.
He has impressed in his role with the club’s B team since taking charge in May, having previously managed various youth sides at the Bernabéu, contributing to the development of several academy players.
Reports indicate that high-profile alternatives such as Zinedine Zidane and Jürgen Klopp are considered unavailable or unlikely at this stage.
