Image source, Getty Images

Image caption,

Arbeloa played for Liverpool (2007-2009) and West Ham (2016-2017) during his career

Real Madrid's decision to appoint Alvaro Arbeloa as head coach has been met largely with scepticism. Many supporters see the move as an unnecessary, premature risk rather than a bold, strategic appointment.

On the surface, the choice appears puzzling. Arbeloa lacks the glittering senior managerial CV you may expect a Real Madrid head coach to have.

But behind the initial reaction the move reflects Real Madrid's prioritisation of identity and continuity, with those inside the club viewing it not as a gamble but as a calculated decision based on the loyalty of someone who has been part of Real for many years.

It is a philosophy that was made clear by Arbeloa himself at his unveiling.

"On Saturday I turn 43 and 20 of those years have been at this club. Every day I'm at the best club in the world," he said.

"This club is about winning, winning, and winning again. When I was a player,...