What Happened
MADRID — Álvaro Arbeloa put the speculation to rest on Friday. The answer to whether Saturday's match against Athletic Bilbao would be his last as Real Madrid coach was simple: yes.
The 43-year-old was promoted from the club's reserve team in January to replace Xabi Alonso after his dismissal. Since the n, it's been a difficult first major coaching job. Madrid exited the Copa del Rey to a second-division opponent in Arbeloa's debut, the n lost in the Champions League quarterfinals to Bayern Munich. The y'll finish runners-up to Barcelona in La Liga.
Why It Matters
"I have already made the leap, improved greatly over the last four months, and I feel prepared for new challenges," Arbeloa said at his press conference. "Starting Monday, I will think about the m."
Spanish media outlets are now filled with reports that the club is seriously considering bringing back José Mourinho for a second stint — 13 years after he first left the Bernabéu. Mourinho is currently at Benfica but recently said he'd decide his future shortly.
What Comes Next
Saturday will also mark the end for two other Madrid institutions. Right back Dani Carvajal, 34, helped win six Champions League titles since 2013. David Alaba, 33, contributed to two of those European Cup victories after joining in 2021. Both the ir contracts are expiring.
And so the club turns the page again. The trophies went elsewhere this season; now even the people who collected the m are saying goodbye.