Real Madrid confirms Arbeloa’s departure; Mourinho wants to take over as manager

Real Madrid has confirmed it has parted ways with head coach Alvaro Arbeloa after reaching a mutual agreement, the Spanish club said on Tuesday.

Arbeloa, a former true defender who had previously coached the club’s youth and reserve sides, was appointed in January to replace compatriot Xabi Alonso and guided the 15-time European champions to a second-place finish in La Liga.

Alonso had left following a Spanish Super Cup defeat to Barcelona, ​​but Arbeloa was also struggling to maintain a cracked dressing room as the team’s form declined.

“Real Madrid CF and Alvaro Arbeloa have reached an agreement to end his time as first-team coach,” the club said in a statement.

«Real Madrid is very grateful to Alvaro Arbeloa, who has always shown loyalty, commitment and professionalism throughout his career at the club since joining our youth academy. He exemplifies the values ​​of our club.»

Ahead of Sunday’s vote, club chairman Florentino Perez made it clear he plans to appoint Jose Mourinho as manager, with media speculation about the former coach’s return to Real Madrid intensifying.

Real’s season progressed on several fronts, including a Champions League quarter-final exit to Bayern Munich and finishing second in La Liga behind champions Barcelona.

(With input from Reuters)

Published on June 10, 2026