Arbeloa Confirms Real Madrid Departure: "Couldn't Get Along With Everyone"

Álvaro Arbeloa has confirmed that this will be his final week as Real Madrid's head coach. He took over the interim position mid-season after Xabi Alonso's dismissal but ultimately faltered in the title race against Barcelona. Sunday's match against Athletic Bilbao will mark Arbeloa's last game at the helm of the "Whites." José Mourinho is expected to take over his role. Here's what Arbeloa told the media:

Are you confirming your departure?
Yes.

So, it's a farewell?
I hope it's more of a "see you soon," because I've always considered Real Madrid my home. I've been part of Real Madrid for 20 years; this is my home. This is my last game this season, and I don't know if it will be my last ever as a Real Madrid coach – you never know. I'll try to enjoy it. My only focus is on winning.

How did you approach your time here?
I did what I believed was right, not because anyone forced me to.

What does your future hold?
I'm not here to discuss possibilities. José Mourinho has a fantastic staff. If he comes, he'll bring his own people, as he should. There's no chance of me being with him. For these four months, I only thought about Real Madrid, but from now on, I'll have to think about myself. I've taken the step, and I feel ready for new challenges.

What was your relationship with the players like?
I'm very grateful for everything we experienced together. I realize that with 25 players, you can't have the same relationship with everyone. We've had our differences, which is normal. We resolved them in the best possible way. We showed each other respect, and the opportunity came when it was meant to. For me, the most important thing is always how you accept what happens. And I did it in the best way, thinking of Real Madrid. During these months, I thought more about Real Madrid than myself, and I did what was best for the club. At another club, it would have been different, but this was the right approach. There's no room for regrets.

What kind of locker room are you leaving behind?
I'm leaving with very good relationships with almost everyone. I know the state the team was in when I arrived. I know what I had to deal with. If I had started from the beginning, it would have been different. But that was the situation, and I tried to handle it in the best way possible. Not my way, but the best possible way. We did many things well, and I'm satisfied with what we accomplished.

On conversations with the players
Almost all of them helped me grow as a coach and as a person. I've had relationships with everyone, we've had conversations – sometimes we agreed, other times not. My good fortune is that I've been in their shoes, I've gone through similar situations, and I understand them. Very often, their perspective is different from the coach's. It's easier for me to put myself in their place than for them to put themselves in mine. I'm leaving with immense gratitude; they made me better and made me enjoy every day. I'm very grateful to the club for the opportunity. After these eight years, I'm leaving grateful and with many friends. I hope to be able to return someday.

On the departing Dani Carvajal
He is a symbol of what every Real Madrid player should be. He is special, unique. It will be a beautiful day for everyone – to pay him the tribute he deserves. He will start, and I'm sure that when I substitute him so he can receive his ovation, the entire stadium will rise to its feet. When he looks back, he will be very proud of what he has achieved. We, the Madridistas, have been incredibly fortunate.

Why is Vinicius Junior likely not playing?
He has club permission for a personal matter; we don't know if he'll be able to be here tomorrow.

How do you comment on Joan Laporta's attacks?
I attach little importance to his words because we have always been very clear about what we've said. He's probably referring to the "Negreira case"... We are still awaiting a decision on such a serious case that has stained Spanish football. Many referees from that era are still working, and the feeling remains the same. These are not normal things. We must continue to talk about this. A Real Madrid player is bleeding, and that referee receives the award of officiating the Cup final.

On the Real Madrid presidential elections
There are topics I cannot discuss. I think it's great that there will be candidates; they already know how high the bar has been set. We will listen and see what ideas they can offer.