Alvaro Arbeloa will not be continuing as Real Madrid manager next season
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Alvaro Arbeloa is set to leave Real Madridopen image in gallery
Alvaro Arbeloa is set to leave Real Madrid (Getty)
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Alvaro Arbeloa has confirmed he will not be Real Madrid coach next season, departing after a tumultuous four months in charge amid speculation over Jose Mourinho’s potential return.
The former Real defender, who previously managed the club’s youth and reserve teams, took the helm in January, replacing Xabi Alonso.
Though he guided the 15-time European champions to a second-placed La Liga finish, Arbeloa confirmed his departure.
Speaking on Friday, ahead of Real’s final LaLiga game, he addressed the Mourinho rumours: "Mou has a fantastic coaching staff; he’s very well supported. If he arrives, he’ll bring his own team with him, as it should be. There’s no chance I’ll be working with him."
Jose Mourinho is expected to be the next Real Madrid manageropen image in gallery
Jose Mourinho is expected to be the next Real Madrid manager (PA)
Arbeloa added: "I’ve spent the last four months thinking about Madrid. From now on, it’s time to think about myself. I’ve taken the leap, I feel ready for new challenges."
He inherited a challenging situation after Alonso’s departure, struggling to unite a fractured dressing room that descended into chaos following a Spanish Super Cup loss to Barcelona.
Internal turmoil was highlighted by a recent altercation between captain Federico Valverde and Aurelien Tchouameni, leaving Valverde hospitalised with a cut and both players fined €500,000.
Arbeloa reflected: "I know what state the team was in when I arrived. What I’ve had to deal with. If I’d started from the beginning, it would have been different. But that’s what I was given, and I’ve tried to do it in the best possible way."
The 43-year-old expressed satisfaction: "I’m happy with what we’ve achieved. I’m leaving on good terms with almost everyone." He also hopes to return to the club he considers home.
"I hope it’s just a ‘see you later’, I’ve always considered Madrid my home. I’ve been with Madrid for 20 years, it’s my home," the former Spain international concluded, as he focused on winning his final match against Athletic Bilbao on Saturday night.
In total, Arbeloa have taken charge of 27 matches, winning 17 alongside eight defeats and two draws.
Real are set to finish the season trophyless after exiting the Champions League at the quarter-final stage and the Copa del Rey in the round of 16.