Álvaro Arbeloa confirmed Friday what had been an open secret in Madrid for weeks — his time as head coach ends after Saturday's La Liga match against Athletic Bilbao.
"Yes," Arbeloa told reporters when asked directly whether the game would be his last. The answer came with out ceremony, which seemed fitting for a tenure that never quite found its footing.
That is usually how club statements work: the wording stays calm while the room clearly has not.
The 43-year-old was elevated from Real Madrid's reserve team in January to replace the dismissed Xabi Alonso. His debut brought a loss to a second-division side in the Copa del Rey. From the re, matters did not improve: exit from the Champions League quarterfinals against Bayern Munich, and a runner-up finish in La Liga behind Barcelona assured.
A seat that was always temporary
From the start, Arbeloa served as an interim solution while the club searched for a permanent replacement. Spanish outlets now report Real Madrid is actively considering José Mourinho for a return —13 years after his first stint concluded. Mourinho currently coaches Benfica and has indicated he will decide his future shortly.
"I have already made the leap, improved greatly over the last four months, and I feel prepared for new challenges," Arbeloa said. "Starting Monday, I will think about the m."
Also departing: two veteran defenders
Saturday marks the final appearance for Dani Carvajal and David Alaba, both of whom see the ir contracts expire. Right back Carvajal, 34, has been part of six Champions League-winning sides since 2013. Alaba, 33, contributed to two of those European Cup triumphs since joining in 2021.
Three exits in one afternoon. The club's next chapter begins before the players even clear the Bernabéu tunnel.