Real Madrid's Final Step Before Mourinho Announcement

Shortly after news broke of the unsuccessful bid for Julián Álvarez, Real Madrid announced the official departure of Álvaro Arbeloa, who served as interim head coach for the first team last season. This marks the final formality before the anticipated arrival of José Mourinho.

In their statement regarding Arbeloa, the club did not specify whether the specialist would remain in another role within the organization. However, the phrasing at the end of the announcement suggests a potential complete exit from Real Madrid.

“Real Madrid and Álvaro Arbeloa have reached an agreement to conclude his tenure as first-team coach.

Real Madrid expresses its profound gratitude to Álvaro Arbeloa, who throughout his entire journey at the club, from his arrival at our academy, has consistently demonstrated loyalty, dedication, and professionalism. His character exemplifies the values of our club.

Real Madrid, which will always be his home, wishes Álvaro Arbeloa and his entire family the best of luck in this new chapter of their lives.”

The 43-year-old former defender, a Real Madrid academy product and first-team player for seven seasons, joined the coaching staff at “La Fábrica” in the summer of 2020. In his first two seasons, he successively managed the Infantil A team, leading them to a league title, and Cadete A. In the summer of 2022, he took the reins of Juvenil A, managing them for three seasons. In his very first campaign with the team, he achieved a national treble (league title, Copa del Rey, and Champions Cup).

At the start of the current season, he took charge of Real Madrid Castilla before stepping up to lead the first team in January, mid-campaign, to steady the ship after Xabi Alonso's dismissal. In the 28 matches he managed Real Madrid, Arbeloa secured 18 wins, 2 draws, and 8 losses. The team was knocked out in the round of 16 of the Copa del Rey by second-division side Albacete, eliminated in the Champions League quarterfinals by Bayern, and finished well behind Barcelona in La Liga.