Striker Kylian Mbappe was absent as Real Madrid coach Alvaro Arbeloa took charge of his first training session on Tuesday, after replacing Xabi Alonso as coach of the Spanish giants.
Arbeloa was appointed on Monday, and his first game is against Albacete in the Copa del Rey on Wednesday, in which French forward Mbappe is unlikely to feature.
Mbappe made his comeback from a knee sprain as a late substitute in the Spanish Super Cup final defeat by Barcelona on Sunday, but is likely to keep working on his recovery until next Tuesday’s Champions League match against his former side Monaco.
A Real Madrid source told AFP it was “logical” that Mbappe was absent from training, given his knee issue.
Former coach Alonso had admitted it was a calculated risk to involve Madrid’s top goalscorer in the match against Barca in Saudi Arabia.
Meanwhile, Alvaro Arbeloa has revealed that it is a new beginning for the players ahead of the clash against Albacete on Wednesday.
He said: “Everyone in the dressing room is starting from scratch, it’s a new beginning. That’s it. It’s a new beginning for everyone, starting with the match against Albacete. All the players are very eager, they’ve shown me that enthusiasm.
“This club is about winning, winning, and winning again. It’s in our DNA. That’s what has led us to fill the trophy cabinets. When I was a player, I received those values from the dressing room; it’s the most important thing. That’s my obsession.
“My definition of playing well? Real Madrid has 120 years of history and it’s difficult for things to be recognized. Some of us here have won three Champions Leagues and I know where I stand.
“I know the demands placed on us and what it means to play well, what the fans want to see. Here, winning is what matters.”
Alonso, replaced after less than eight months at the helm, said on social media he was leaving the club, having done the best he could.
He wrote on Instagram: “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.”
Real Madrid are currently occupying the second position on the La Liga log, four behind Barcelona with 19 matches to go.
