The Part That Changes The Math
MADRID — Álvaro Arbeloa confirmed what many in Spain had taken for granted for weeks: he won't be Real Madrid's coach beyond Saturday's final game of the season. When asked if the La Liga match against Athletic Bilbao would be his last, he simply said, "Yes."
Arbeloa was promoted from the club's reserve team in January to replace the fired Xabi Alonso — his first major coaching job. The campaign went sideways quickly: a Copa del Rey loss to a second-division opponent in his debut, a Champions League quarterfinal exit to Bayern Munich, and a second-place finish in La Liga behind Barcelona.
The matchup already has enough history; the job is to keep the reading list shorter than the tension.
The Detail Worth Keeping
It was always going to be an interim arrangement unless something spectacular happened. Nothing spectacular happened.
Spanish media is now rife with reports that Real Madrid is seriously considering bringing back José Mourinho for a second stint — 13 years after he first coached the club. Mourinho has been at Benfica this campaign but recently said he will decide his future soon.
Where It Goes From Here
Arbeloa, 43, said he will seek new challenges. "I have already made the leap, improved greatly over these four months, and I feel prepared for new challenges," he said. "Starting Monday, I will think about them."
Saturday will also be the last game for veteran defenders Dani Carvajal and David Alaba, whose contracts are about to expire. Right back Carvajal, 34, has helped Madrid win six Champions Leagues since 2013. The 33-year-old Alaba contributed in two of those European Cup conquests since arriving in 2021.