The Club Hits Reset
MADRID — Álvaro Arbeloa confirmed Friday what had been assumed for weeks: the La Liga match against Athletic Bilbao on Saturday will be his last as Real Madrid's coach.
Arbeloa was promoted from the club's reserve team in January to replace the fired Xabi Alonso, inheriting a squad that had already been knocked out of the Copa del Rey by a second-division opponent in his debut. Madrid then exited the Champions League quarterfinals to Bayern Munich and will finish second in La Liga to Barcelona.
The Timing Says Plenty
Spanish media reports the club is seriously considering bringing back José Mourinho for a second stint, 13 years after his initial tenure. Mourinho has coached Benfica this campaign and recently said he will 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 at a press conference. “Starting Monday, I will think about them.”
The Next Hire Matters
Saturday will also mark the final appearance for veteran defenders Dani Carvajal and David Alaba, whose contracts are expiring. Carvajal, 34, has helped Madrid win six Champions Leagues since 2013, while the 33-year-old Alaba contributed to two of those European Cup victories since arriving in 2021.