Arbeloa or Solari would be temporary replacements for Xabi Alonso

Arbeloa or Solari would be temporary replacements for Xabi Alons

Xabi Alonso’s position at Real Madrid is under serious threat, with reports in Spain claiming that the upcoming Champions League clash against Manchester City could decide his future at the club. The defeat against Celta Vigo at the Santiago Bernabéu has intensified doubts about his tenure, and the Real Madrid hierarchy is said to be running out of patience.

Sunday’s 2–0 loss to Celta Vigo, in which Madrid finished with nine men after two red cards, was viewed internally as a major setback. The result left Los Blancos four points behind Barcelona in La Liga, a situation that has alarmed president Florentino Pérez and the board, especially given the expectations that come with managing Real Madrid.

In the aftermath of that defeat, Pérez reportedly convened an emergency meeting at the Bernabéu. The club president is believed to have demanded an immediate reaction from the team, and the match against Manchester City has been identified as the key moment that will determine whether Alonso remains on the bench or not.

Alonso’s problems this season have not been limited to results alone. According to the same reports, his relationship with some senior players, particularly Vinicius Jr, has become strained. Disagreements over tactics, positioning, and communication have contributed to a tense atmosphere in the dressing room.

The situation was further highlighted after the Celta match, when Alonso allegedly chose not to enter the dressing room at full time. He is said to have had no direct contact with the players after the final whistle, a decision that has been interpreted as a sign of how fractured things have become between the coach and part of the squad.

If Real Madrid decide to part ways with Alonso, the club already have short term solutions in mind. Álvaro Arbeloa and Santiago Solari are considered the leading candidates to take over on an interim basis while a permanent coach is identified. Both men are former Real Madrid players who understand the club’s culture and internal demands.

Arbeloa, who is currently in charge of Real Madrid Castilla and has worked closely with the academy, is viewed as the primary short term option. His work with the youth teams has impressed Pérez, and he enjoys strong backing inside the club thanks to his loyalty, personality, and connection with younger players.

Solari is also seen as a credible alternative for an interim role. He has previous first team experience at the Bernabéu, having coached Real Madrid during a turbulent spell in the past, and he knows the pressure that comes with the job. His familiarity with the environment means he could step in quickly if required.

For the long term, however, Real Madrid are thought to be looking at bigger names. Zinedine Zidane remains the preferred candidate to return, given his historic success with the club and his close relationship with Pérez. His record in the Champions League and ability to manage star players continue to make him the ideal solution in the eyes of many at the club.

Jürgen Klopp is another name that has been mentioned in speculation, although his case is described as much more complicated. The former Liverpool manager is currently on a break from coaching, and convincing him to return to the dugout for an immediate project like Real Madrid would be a difficult task, both practically and personally.

For now, everything points to the Manchester City match as the decisive moment. A strong performance and result could buy Alonso more time and help repair some of the trust that has been lost, while another disappointing night might finally push Pérez to act. In that case, Arbeloa or Solari would be ready to step in as temporary replacements while Real Madrid search for their next long term leader.