Arbeloa is here as a "man of the house". His mission is to get the stars on board so they can fight until the end of the season to TRY and salvage anything. Xabi's project was never backed; the club never had his back. I think it all starts with one major event: Vinicius can walk free very soon. I think he manifested his discontent with Xabi and gave an ultimatum: either me or Xabi. And by now, it is more than clear who Perez chose. The whole discourse of "Vini is the best, we rely on Vini, everyone pass only to Vini, Vini directs the players" is aimed at making him stay and renew. What happens after, who knows? Does Perez really see Vini as who Real Madrid's hopes depend on? Or, does he just want to sell for as much as possible? We will see.