"Image source, Getty Images Alvaro Arbeloa's Real Madrid tenure is only five weeks old - but Tuesday's Champions League trip to Benfica already feels like it could be a defining night for the fledgling boss. The 43-year-old replaced Xabi Alonso last month and, despite no official confirmation, sources close to both the club and Arbeloa told BBC Sport he has a contract until the end of next season."
"Real knew the appointment of a head coach with no top-level managerial experience was risky. And after a slow start for Arbeloa and a less than positive reception from supporters, they quickly started planning for potential replacements - including former Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca - in case another change was needed. But after six wins from their past seven matches, there is a new feeling of calm among the Real hierarchy with the club top of La Liga."
"Real's only loss in those seven games came against Benfica, when a sensational 4-2 victory by Jose Mourinho's side left Los Blancos needing a play-off against the same opponents to stay in the competition they have won six times in 12 years. Of course there is a second leg at home to come on Wednesday, 25 February, but failing to reach at least the last 16 - for the first time in more than three decades - is unthinkable for the Real faithful. Since the defeat in Lisbon in January, Arbeloa has made some changes, including tweaking Real's formation. That match was the last time he played with a 4-3-3 formation, where Franco Mastantuono, Kylian Mbappe and Vinicius Jr started as the front three. In Real's subsequent three games, Arbeloa has changed to a 4-4-2 set-up, where Mastantuono drops back into midfield to leave Gonzalo Garcia, Vinicius and Mbappe as rotating striker options. "Defensively, it's a structure that closes down the midfield corridor, where there are more players, and allows us to be more compact," Arbeloa said."
Alvaro Arbeloa took over Real Madrid five weeks ago and reportedly holds a contract until the end of next season. The club accepted risk by appointing a coach without top-level managerial experience and monitored potential replacements after a slow start and mixed fan reception. A recent run of six wins from seven matches has calmed the hierarchy and put Real top of La Liga. The team must respond in Europe after a 4-2 loss to Benfica that necessitates a play-off and a crucial home second leg. Arbeloa shifted from a 4-3-3 to a 4-4-2 to increase midfield compactness and defensive solidity.
Read at www.bbc.com
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