New Coach Focuses on Copa delrey Amidst Striker’s Recovery and Predecessor’s Emotional Exit
The Álvaro Arbeloa era at Real Madrid began on the training pitch Tuesday, but without the familiar face of star striker Kylian Mbappé. The French forward, who only recently returned from a knee sprain, was absent from the new coach’s first session as he continues his recovery.
Arbeloa, who took charge just Monday, is preparing for his debut match against Albacete in the Copa del Rey on Wednesday.
A club source indicated it was “logical” for Mbappé to sit out, prioritizing his full fitness for next week’s high-stakes Champions League clash against his former club, Monaco. His brief appearance in Sunday’s Super Cup final loss to Barcelona was seen as a “calculated risk” by the now-departed manager, Xabi Alonso.
Alonso’s exit, after less than eight months in charge, was marked by a heartfelt social media post. Expressing gratitude and pride, the coach acknowledged things hadn’t gone to plan. “Coaching Real Madrid was an honour and a responsibility,” Alonso wrote on Instagram. “I leave respectfully, with gratitude, and the pride of having done the best I could.”
As Arbeloa turns his immediate attention to cup competition, the atmosphere at the club blends cautious optimism for a fresh start with respect for a dignified departure. All eyes will be on when—not if—Mbappé returns to full training to lead the line for the new manager.
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