Alvaro Arbeloa Confirms Departure as Real Madrid Coach Following Season Finale

• Real Madrid is reportedly set to bring back Jose Mourinho for a second term.

• Veteran defenders Dani Carvajal and David Alaba are on the brink of contract expiration.

Alvaro Arbeloa has confirmed that he will not remain as Real Madrid’s coach beyond the final match of the season against Athletic Bilbao on Saturday. During a press conference on Friday, Arbeloa responded “yes” when asked if the upcoming game would mark his final appearance as coach.

His departure had been widely anticipated, particularly after he was unable to secure any titles this season. Arbeloa stepped up from the reserve team in January to replace the dismissed Xabi Alonso but faced challenges right from the start. His first match in charge ended in a loss to a second-division team in the Copa del Rey. Madrid subsequently exited the Champions League quarterfinals to Bayern Munich and is set to finish second in La Liga behind Barcelona.

It was generally believed that Barreloa’s role would be temporary, especially if the team did not perform remarkably well under his guidance.

Reports from Spanish media suggest that Real Madrid is seriously considering the return of Jose Mourinho for a second stint 13 years after he last managed the club.

Mourinho, who is currently coaching Benfica, has indicated that he will soon announce his future plans.

At 43 years old, Arbeloa expressed his desire for “new challenges” after what he has learned from his initial major coaching experience. He stated, “I have already made the leap, improved greatly over these four months, and I feel prepared for new challenges. Starting Monday, I will think about them.”

A Farewell For Carvajal And Alaba

Saturday’s match will also mark the end of an era for veteran defenders Dani Carvajal and David Alaba, with both players’ contracts set to expire. Carvajal, 34, has played a key role in securing six Champions League titles for Madrid since 2013, while 33-year-old Alaba has been integral to two of those victories since his arrival in 2021.