A full-blown crisis is developing at Real Madrid on the bench and the dismissal of Xabi Alonso seems a matter of days.
Florentino Perez has attempted a surprise move by offering Zinedine Zidane a temporary return until the end of the season, but the Frenchman has rejected it after reportedly having a verbal agreement to take over the French national team after the 2026 World Cup.
Dissatisfaction with Alonso has increased significantly after the latest defeat, while managers accuse him of a lack of authority in the dressing room, tolerance for stars and a decrease in intensity in tactical preparations.
Florentino Perez is reportedly very disappointed, but did not want to ruin the team's morale ahead of the Champions League match against Manchester City.
Jurgen Klopp has also been removed from the list, as he is not ready to take over at Real Madrid.
With both major alternatives out of the picture, the club has turned to the most viable option: Alvaro Arbeloa.
The academy coach is expected to take over as first-team coach as an interim solution immediately after Alonso's departure.
According to sources from the club, the management is also preparing a deep restructuring of the team for the coming months.
Several key players who have not impressed this season could leave, as Real Madrid aim to restore the discipline, intensity and competitive identity that have reportedly waned under Xabi Alonso.
Real Madrid is entering a delicate phase, where every decision will directly affect the race for trophies. /Telegraph/
