Álvaro Arbeloa has confirmed he will leave Real Madrid after overseeing a disappointing trophyless campaign, ending his short spell in charge at the Santiago Bernabéu. The former Madrid defender stepped into the role in January following Xabi Alonso’s departure but was unable to revive the club’s fortunes during a difficult second half of the season.
Real Madrid finished without a major trophy for the second consecutive year, increasing pressure on the club’s hierarchy to make swift changes ahead of the new campaign. Club president Florentino Pérez is now pushing to appoint a new manager before pre-season preparations begin, with José Mourinho emerging as the leading candidate for the job.
According to reports from BBC Sport, Mourinho is currently the clear favourite and the only coach Real Madrid are actively in talks with. Pérez reportedly identified the Portuguese manager as a potential replacement shortly after Alonso left earlier this year, and discussions between both parties are said to be progressing steadily.
Speaking ahead of Real Madrid’s final match of the season, Arbeloa expressed disappointment over the outcome of the campaign but thanked the club and supporters for their support throughout his time in charge. “I gave everything I had for this club, as I always have,” the 43-year-old said after confirming his departure.
Arbeloa also ruled out the possibility of remaining at the club as part of Mourinho’s coaching staff if the former Madrid boss returns. “Mou has a fantastic technical team, he’s got good people around him. If he comes to Madrid, he will come with his team,” Arbeloa explained. “There’s no chance that I would be with him. Then, my future… from Monday I’ll think about that.”
Reflecting on his long connection with the club, Arbeloa admitted he hopes his farewell is not permanent. “I hope it’s a see you later. I’ve always considered this my home, I’ve belonged to Madrid for 20 years in various roles,” he said. Meanwhile, Mourinho, who is currently managing Benfica, has refused to directly address speculation about his future until after Benfica’s final game of the season.
Elijah Adeyemi
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