The Club Hits Reset
MADRID — Álvaro Arbeloa answered simply when asked if Saturday's La Liga match against Athletic Bilbao would be his last: "Yes."
The 43-year-old, promoted from Real Madrid's reserve team in January to replace the fired Xabi Alonso, oversaw a trophyless run that included a Copa del Rey exit to a second-division side and a Champions League quarterfinal defeat to Bayern Munich. His team will finish second in La Liga to Barcelona.
The Timing Says Plenty
Spanish media report the club is actively considering bringing José Mourinho back — 13 years after his first stint ended. The Portuguese coach currently manages Benfica and says he'll decide his future soon.
"I have already made the leap, improved greatly over these four months, and I feel prepared for new challenges," Arbeloa said. "Starting Monday, I will think about them."
The Next Hire Matters
Saturday also marks farewells for two veterans. Dani Carvajal, 34, helped win six Champions Leagues since 2013. David Alaba, 33, arrived in 2021 and contributed to two of those European successes. Both contracts expire after the match.
That both departing defenders leave with more European trophies than league titles tells you something about where this club measures success — and who's really under pressure.