Xabi Alonso’s spell at Real Madrid got off to a flying start, with the team reaching the Club World Cup semifinals and winning 13 of their first 14 matches across La Liga and the Champions League. However, the 1-0 defeat at Anfield against Liverpool marked a turning point. From that moment on, performances dipped sharply and results followed suit, with just two victories in the next eight games. More concerning than the results was the shift in the dressing-room atmosphere: the high press disappeared, and the level of commitment from certain players began to fade.

The situation appears very different under Arbeloa. His leadership style has restored a collective sense of responsibility, with the squad clearly united and working toward the same objective. The impact of the Salamanca-born coach has been immediate, breathing fresh energy into the team. This renewed environment has even influenced Vinicius, who now seems increasingly open to renewing his contract with the club.

Since Arbeloa took charge of the first team, Real Madrid have endured a painful Copa del Rey defeat to Albacete but have also recorded three convincing wins against Levante, Monaco, and Villarreal. The mood around the squad has noticeably improved, with smiles returning and Vinicius in particular showing a clear upturn in form on the pitch.

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