Florentino Pérez steps in and demands immediate change

Real Madrid’s recent resurgence was no coincidence, nor was it solely the result of the so-called “Arbeloa effect.” Behind the team’s emotional and footballing turnaround was a direct intervention from the very top of the club. Following the dismissal of Xabi Alonso, Florentino Pérez decided to act personally and send the message that the problem was not only tactical, but one of attitude, commitment and leadership.

According to Cadena SER, the club president held one-on-one meetings with several key first-team players, including Jude Bellingham, whom he urged to take on a more dominant role both on and off the pitch. Although the Englishman has been one of the most decisive figures since his arrival, there were growing concerns within the board over the team’s drop in collective intensity and lack of self-demand at crucial moments of the season.

Warnings for young talents and a dressing room under pressure

The conversations were not limited to established stars. Arda Güler and Franco Mastantuono, two of the club’s biggest long-term bets, were also called in. Both had lost momentum and spark during Alonso’s tenure, and from the president’s office they were urged to rediscover the personality and football that justified their signings.

The impact was immediate. Mastantuono began to look dynamic and aggressive once again, while Güler started to edge closer to the level the club expected when he arrived. Beyond individual performances, the objective was to reignite internal competition and eliminate any trace of complacency.

Valverde and Camavinga, sacrifice above personal preference

One of the most sensitive issues involved Federico Valverde and Eduardo Camavinga. Both had expressed discomfort at being deployed as full-backs, a position far removed from their natural roles in midfield. The president’s response was unequivocal: the team comes before any personal preference.

From that point on, the shift was clear. Valverde and Camavinga embraced the sacrifice without complaint and raised their performance levels, bringing balance and energy to a defence weakened by injuries. Their willingness proved vital for new head coach Álvaro Arbeloa, who inherited a dressing room already aligned with the club’s demands.

Arbeloa reaps the rewards as Madrid compete again

Xabi Alonso’s exit exposed a tense atmosphere and a clear disconnect between the coach and the dressing room. His rigid approach and lack of harmony with senior players ultimately derailed the project after a string of damaging defeats.

With Álvaro Arbeloa in charge, the team simplified its approach and regained freshness. Three consecutive wins, goals, intensity and a renewed sense of order restored belief among supporters. However, the true turning point came earlier, with Florentino Pérez’s decisive intervention setting the stage for the new era.

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