Real Madrid confirmed on Tuesday that the club and Alvaro Arbeloa had reached an agreement to end his spell as first-team coach. The announcement came as speculation continued to grow over the expected return of Jose Mourinho to the Santiago Bernabeu.
Arbeloa took charge in January after the departure of Xabi Alonso. He managed 28 matches across all competitions, recording 18 wins, two draws and eight defeats.
Real Madrid failed to win a major trophy during his time in charge. The club finished second in La Liga, exited the Copa del Rey before the latter stages and lost to Bayern Munich in the Champions League quarter-finals.
In an official statement, Real Madrid thanked Arbeloa for his service to the club.
“Real Madrid is deeply grateful to Alvaro Arbeloa, who throughout his career at the club, from the time he joined our academy, has always demonstrated loyalty, commitment, and professionalism. His persona is a true example of the values of our club.”
The club added that Real Madrid “will always be his home” and wished Arbeloa and his family well for the future.
Arbeloa spent years inside Madrid’s system as a player and coach. He came through the club’s academy, played more than 200 first-team matches and later worked with youth and reserve sides before stepping up to the senior job.
His departure clears the path for Mourinho’s expected return. Benfica have already confirmed that Real Madrid intend to appoint the Portuguese manager, although the Spanish club has not yet made an official announcement.
