Real Madrid lost 0-1 at home to Getafe in Round 26 of La Liga, suffering two consecutive La Liga defeats. Spanish media have reported that Arbeloa’s position as head coach is under heavy scrutiny.
The so-called “Arbeloa effect” has vanished entirely. Real Madrid are struggling on all fronts right now, and the Champions League has become his only lifeline.
Arbeloa was once seen as the solution to Real Madrid’s poor form this season, but he has been completely unable to reverse the team’s momentum and results. Doubts have emerged not only among Real Madrid fans at the Santiago Bernabéu but also within the club.
Before the match against Getafe, fans were still lamenting the loss of top spot in the league; but after this defeat, there is almost no justification left for Arbeloa’s performances in recent weeks. The only consolation is that he still has the Champions League as a lifeline.
The situation is clear: with three months left in the season, Real Madrid face severe tests across all competitions. The club had hoped the managerial change would improve the team’s style of play and fitness levels, and expected Arbeloa to revitalize the side, but he has clearly failed to do so, with the team stuck in a slump.
Leaving aside their Copa del Rey elimination by Albacete, players have been fielded in unfamiliar positions, and results have been dreadful — all of which has brought fresh scrutiny on Real Madrid. Being 4 points behind Barcelona is a bitter situation, and the club is searching for the root of the problems beyond injuries. The upcoming clash against Manchester City hangs over them like the Sword of Damocles, with player performances also heavily questioned, but Arbeloa bears the brunt of the pressure.
Consecutive losses to Osasuna and Getafe have handed La Liga title initiative back to Barcelona at a time when Barça are also out of form. Worse still, figures inside Real Madrid believe the club could have acted to prevent this but failed to do so.The only good news for Arbeloa is that the Champions League resumes in a week, with Guardiola’s Manchester City visiting the Bernabéu. He has eight days to convince players who appear to have lost motivation.
