Coach Alvaro Arbeloa leaves Real Madrid after the match against Bilbao

Alvaro Arbeloa will leave Real Madrid after the final match of the season on Saturday against Athletic Bilbao. The Spanish coach, who succeeded Xabi Alonso last January, confirmed at a press conference on Friday that he would not continue his tenure at the Bernabéu. Having arrived five months ago to turn the team around, he will have spent only half a season at the helm of the club where he played for many years. The former Real Madrid defender expressed his attachment to the club, stating that he hopes this is just a temporary farewell.

Mourinho in pole position

The rumor of José Mourinho's arrival to replace Arbeloa has been gaining considerable momentum for several days. The Portuguese manager appears to be the frontrunner to take the reins of the team as early as next season. When questioned about a possible position on Mourinho's future staff, Arbeloa dismissed the possibility, putting an end to speculation about his continued involvement in the club's technical structure. This clarification comes as Real Madrid prepares to turn a new page in its recent history.

Arbeloa leaves behind a twenty-year connection with the Madrid club, having held various positions over the years. A former iconic player for Los Blancos, he unsuccessfully attempted to establish himself as a long-term manager. His brief stint on the bench will therefore end on Saturday in La Liga against Athletic Bilbao, before Real Madrid enters a new era under the likely leadership of José Mourinho.