The management team at Real Madrid is set to undergo a notable change as Álvaro Arbeloa has formally announced that he will be leaving his current coaching role at the Spanish club. This announcement coincides with widespread media reports suggesting that Jose Mourinho could be on the verge of returning to the Santiago Bernabéu to take charge of the first team once again. Arbeloa confirmed to the press that the upcoming La Liga match against Athletic Club on Saturday, 23 May, will be the final time he occupies his seat in the club’s technical dugout.
Media Address and Final Home Match
During a formal press conference held on Friday, 22 May, to communicate his departure, Arbeloa shared his hopes for his final fixture in charge of his squad. He emphasized his desire to finish his current spell on a positive note by securing a victory for the home supporters, highlighting how meaningful it always is to compete at the club’s home stadium. He stated:
“I want to see a great match, say goodbye to the fans, and present them with a victory. Playing the final match at home is always something special. I want the Bernabéu to enjoy it.”
When members of the press questioned him on whether this move represented a definitive exit from the club, Arbeloa clarified that he views this step more as a temporary departure than a final farewell. Reflecting on his twenty-year history with the institution, he detailed his deep personal connection to Madrid while remaining open about what the future might hold for his coaching career. He noted:
“I hope it is something much like ‘see you again’. I have always considered Madrid to be my own home. I have been a part of this club for 20 years. This is my final match of this season—I do not know if it is the final match of my life as a coach of Madrid. I will try to enjoy it and focus on winning.”
Acknowledgement of the Players
Arbeloa used the media briefing to express his sincere appreciation to the players he has been managing. He credited the squad for assisting in both his personal growth and his development as a professional leader, stating that working alongside them daily had allowed him to significantly improve his tactical and managerial skills. Arbeloa observed:
“I am leaving Real Madrid whilst expressing endless gratitude towards my players. They have made me a much better person. They helped me enjoy every single day, and I have learned a great deal. I have been able to become a much better coach now than I was before because of them.”
Denial of Future Backroom Role
In light of the ongoing speculation linking Jose Mourinho with the head coach position at Real Madrid, Arbeloa explicitly dismissed rumors suggesting he might join the Portuguese manager’s setup as an assistant or backroom staff member. He explained that top-tier football managers travel with their own long-term, established coaching teams, making his inclusion highly improbable. Arbeloa clarified:
“I did not come here to discuss possibilities. In the case of Mourinho, he possesses an excellent coaching staff, who are as good as he is. If he arrives at Real Madrid, he will bring his own coaching staff along with him, which is exactly as it should be. Therefore, there is no possibility that I will be joining him.”
With his departure now officially confirmed, the upcoming match against Athletic Club will mark the formal end of Arbeloa’s current coaching chapter with Real Madrid, leaving the club’s board to determine their long-term management structure.