Real Madrid opened a new chapter on Tuesday as Álvaro Arbeloa led his first training session since taking charge, with star striker Kylian Mbappé notably absent.
Arbeloa was confirmed as head coach on Monday following the departure of Xabi Alonso, who spent less than eight months at the helm of the Spanish giants. The former defender now prepares the team for his first match in charge against Albacete in the Copa del Rey on Wednesday night.
Mbappé is unlikely to feature in that tie as he continues his recovery from a knee sprain.
The France forward returned briefly as a late substitute in Sunday’s Spanish Super Cup final defeat to Barcelona but is expected to focus on regaining full fitness ahead of next Tuesday’s Champions League clash with his former club, Monaco.
A source close to the club told AFP it was “logical” that Mbappé sat out training, given his knee problem.
Alonso had previously admitted it was a calculated gamble to involve Madrid’s leading scorer in the Super Cup final, played in Saudi Arabia.
The Basque coach confirmed his exit from Real Madrid via Instagram, saying, “Things didn’t go as I would have liked.
“Coaching Real Madrid was an honour and a responsibility. I’m grateful to the club, the players and above all, the fans for their confidence and support.
“I leave respectfully, with gratitude, and the pride of having done the best I could.”
Earlier today, Arbeloa arrived at Valdebebas early and addressed his players before overseeing gym work and an on-pitch session ahead of the Albacete match, scheduled for a 9.00 pm kick-off. The new coach cut a serious figure as he monitored warm-up runs and rondos.
Mbappé was not the only absentee. Rodrygo, Antonio Rüdiger and Éder Militão also missed the session.
Several academy players were drafted in, including Manuel Ángel, Cestero, David Jiménez, Joan Martínez and Palacios, all of whom Arbeloa knows well and who could be handed opportunities in the Copa del Rey tie.
One immediate change was also clear. Antonio Pintus has returned to the first-team set-up, taking charge of physical preparation once again. His role had been a point of contention under Alonso, and his reinstatement reflects the wishes of club president Florentino Pérez.