Arbeloa's Real Madrid face first real test at La Cerámica
After three matches in unusual circumstances, Álvaro Arbeloa's Real Madrid side prepare for their toughest challenge yet against Villarreal.
Álvaro Arbeloa’s honeymoon period at Real Madrid is about to face its first proper examination as Los Blancos head to La Cerámica tomorrow night.
A baptism of fire
Three matches into his tenure, and it’s fair to say the former defender hasn’t exactly had what you’d call normal circumstances to deal with. The gaffer’s had a right mixed bag so far:
- A rushed Copa del Rey debut just 24 hours after taking the reins
- A league opener against Levante overshadowed by the atmosphere turning proper moody due to fan discontent
- A comfortable European thrashing that finally got the Bernabéu faithful back onside
The Yellow Submarine awaits
But Villarreal away? That’s a different kettle of fish altogether. This will be the first genuine examination of what Arbeloa’s Madrid might actually look like when the chips are down.
The appointment raised a few eyebrows among the Madrid faithful - going from managing the youth setup to the first team hot seat isn’t exactly the traditional career path. Some pundits have already got the knives out, while others are keeping their powder dry until they’ve seen more evidence.
Too early to judge
Judging Arbeloa on those first three games would be like trying to rate a restaurant based on the bread basket alone. The sample size is too small and the circumstances too peculiar to draw any meaningful conclusions.
The trip to La Cerámica represents the first proper test against quality opposition in a hostile environment. If Madrid come through unscathed, perhaps the doubters might start changing their tune. If they struggle, the brass at the Bernabéu might be wondering if they’ve backed the wrong horse.
Either way, tomorrow night should give us our first real glimpse of what an Arbeloa team looks like when the pressure’s on. No more excuses, time to show your cards, son.