Years ago, few thought that Álvaro Arbeloa, a key figure at Real Madrid and Casillas's rival, would return to the club. Here he is, back, this time not as a player, but as a coach. Not in just any position: he will lead Real Madrid Castilla, the club's top reserve team, in a new chapter that sparks much curiosity and high expectations.
This Wednesday, July 16 was the designated day, Arbeloa appeared at Ciudad Real Madrid for his first training session in charge of Castilla. His image, no longer in the jersey but with the same passion, hasn't left anyone indifferent. Some have said that "he was seen training with enthusiasm, as if he had never left."
A renewed Castilla with ambitions
The team Arbeloa will lead faces a key season in Primera Federación. This campaign, Castilla is placed in Group I, facing northern rivals, something different from previous years when it played more against southern teams. The idea is clear: compete and grow.
The training session featured Joan Martínez, Manu Ángel, Loren Zúñiga, and other young talents seeking their opportunity. The arrivals of players who were in the United States with the first team during the Club World Cup, such as Fran González and Sergio Mestre, are also expected soon.
Arbeloa's trusted team
Álvaro isn't alone in this venture. At his side will be an experienced coaching staff with strong ties to Real Madrid. Julián Carmona will be the assistant coach, Ricardo Da Silva the fitness coach, and Francis Sánchez the assistant.
Without a doubt, one of the most notable pieces of news is the addition of Diego López, another club legend. The former first-team goalkeeper, and Casillas's rival on more than one occasion, will take charge of training Castilla's goalkeepers. Together, Arbeloa and López form a duo with a Madridist past and great excitement to bring the reserve team back to the top.
What does this change mean?
Raúl González Blanco's departure from Castilla's bench left a deep mark. Replacing a legend isn't easy, but Arbeloa arrives with enthusiasm and five seasons of experience in the club's youth ranks. His successful stint with Juvenil A gave him the confidence to take on this new challenge.
This season, Castilla will play the Premier League International Cup so its young players can face international rivals.
The countdown to the debut
The schedule is already set: the first official match will be on the weekend of August 30-31 against Lugo. The squad is preparing to arrive strong and prove that, with Arbeloa, Castilla can dream big.
With a coach who knows the club inside out and a group of promising players, Castilla begins its new chapter with excitement. Although Arbeloa is no longer "Casillas's executioner", now his mission is to be everyone's executioner in Primera Federación.