Alvaro Arbeloa Embraces New Talent at Real Madrid

Alvaro Arbeloa has thrown his weight behind a new wave of Real Madrid talent, while making it clear that friendship will be pushed aside when he meets Xabi Alonso on the touchline.

The coach welcomed academy prospects Gonzalo Garcia and Cesar Palacios into his squad and made no attempt to hide his excitement about what they can bring.

“They are young players, with a lot of talent and ambition,” Arbeloa said, outlining exactly why the club has moved for them. “They fit the way we want to play and they know what I expect from them. I am very happy to have them here with me.”

A new chapter, though, is opening on more than one front.

The post-Marco Silva era has begun, and Arbeloa knows he is stepping into a demanding role. He acknowledged the foundations laid by his predecessor but drew a firm line under the past.

“Marco did a great job. The players here were happy and comfortable with him, but now a new era begins,” he said. “I know what I want and how I want to do it, but I also know how difficult this league is. I think we will be a difficult team to beat.”

That sense of conviction will be tested immediately against a familiar face. Arbeloa’s side is preparing to take on Alonso’s team in London, a meeting of close friends who shared a dressing room and now share a technical area.

The personal bond is strong. It just won’t matter once the whistle goes.

“I spoke to Xabi a few days ago, but not about football. Our families are coming to London. We are very good friends, but for 90 minutes we will give everything for our clubs,” Arbeloa insisted. “For 90 minutes, we won't be friends, because we both want to win this game.”

New players, a new era, and an old friend in the opposite dugout. Arbeloa knows there is only one acceptable way to mark the start of his tenure: by winning.