Real Madrid manager Xabi Alonso remains under intense scrutiny, according to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, but he is still in charge after the team’s narrow 2–1 win over Deportivo Alavés.
Romano names Arbeloa as potential Real Madrid replacement if Alonso is sacked
Alonso’s position looked shaky in recent weeks after Real Madrid managed only three wins in nine matches across all competitions.
The pressure grew to the point where reports suggested he could be sacked if Madrid failed to beat Alaves but the victory gave him a temporary reprieve.
On his YouTube channel, Romano explained that while Alonso is safe for now, the club will be watching closely in the upcoming fixtures to judge whether he can deliver consistent results.
Madrid must now maintain strong performances in the Copa del Rey against Talavera, and in La Liga when they host Sevilla.
Another crucial test looms with the Spanish Super Cup, which the club sees as a pivotal moment in assessing Alonso’s future.
Romano said the reaction from the players against Alaves sent “good messages,” with key contributions from Rodrygo, Vinicius Jr., Kylian Mbappé and Jude Bellingham.
But he added that Real Madrid want to see the same intensity and results in the weeks ahead.
Regarding possible successors, Romano revealed that if the club decides to part ways with Alonso, former Real Madrid defender Alvaro Arbeloa now a coach at the club is the name he is hearing as a leading candidate.
This information comes amid speculation around big names like Jurgen Klopp and Zinedine Zidane, but Romano stressed that Arbeloa currently stands out as a realistic internal option should a change be made.
Romano also emphasised that Alonso deserves respect and time to prove his worth as a coach, given he only took the job a few months ago.
