Real Madrid manager Alvaro Arbeloa has confirmed he will leave the club following Saturday’s match against Athletic Club, bringing an end to a 20-year association with the Spanish giants. The announcement, made during a pre-match press conference, had been widely anticipated, with Jose Mourinho heavily linked with replacing him next week, pending the outcome of the club’s presidential elections.
Arbeloa, who took the managerial role four months ago, expressed a desire for a potential return to the club in the future, stating he hopes it’s “just a ‘see you later.’” He emphasized his commitment to prioritizing the club’s interests throughout his tenure, even if it meant compromising his own approach. “I’ve thought more about Real Madrid than myself these past few months,” he said, “but I’ve done what’s best for the club.”
His time in charge has been marked by reported disagreements with players, though Arbeloa insisted there was no lingering animosity. He acknowledged the challenges of managing a squad with established personalities, noting the difficulty in replicating the relationships he enjoyed during his time in the academy. Arbeloa also clarified that while he felt external influences shaped his decision-making, he refrained from directly accusing the club of interference, stating no one intervened, but he had to think of the club first.
Despite acknowledging he would have approached certain situations differently had he been in the role from the beginning, Arbeloa expressed satisfaction with the progress made during his short spell. He firmly ruled out joining Mourinho’s potential backroom staff, stating he needs time to focus on his own future and pursue “new challenges.” Arbeloa’s final match in charge will also serve as a farewell to Dani Carvajal, who is playing his last game for the club. The match is scheduled for 21:00 CEST at the Santiago Bernabeu.
