Alvaro Arbeloa to leave Real Madrid
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Real Madrid has endured a turbulent campaign, and early reports that Alvaro Arbeola will leave the club at the end of the season. Image Credits: Imago ImagesReal Madrid has endured a turbulent campaign, and it appears the fallout will claim another managerial casualty before the summer.Former Liverpool man Alvaro Arbeloa, who was handed the unenviable task of steadying the ship mid-season, will not continue as first-team coach beyond the end of the current campaign, according to a report from ABC Deportes.The Spaniard spent three seasons at Anfield between 2007 and 2009, signing under Rafael Benitez in the January window from Deportivo La Coruna.He made 98 appearances for the Reds, operating primarily as a right-back before returning to Madrid for £5 million in the summer of 2009.Arbeloa was thrust into the Madrid hot seat on January 12, 2026, following the sacking of Xabi Alonso after a Spanish Super Cup final defeat to Barcelona.
Arbeloa had been working through Madrid’s academy ranks since 2020 and had only been appointed Castilla boss the previous summer, making his elevation to the first team both rapid and unexpected.His record of seven defeats in 21 games has ultimately been deemed insufficient by president Florentino Perez, who according to ABC Deportes holds himself accountable for appointing both Alonso and Arbeloa, viewing both as personal misjudgements. Madrid’s elimination from the Champions League against Bayern and the prospect of ending the season without a major title has accelerated the need for change.He is set to leave immediately after Real Madrid’s final La Liga game against Athletic Club on 24 May.Jose Mourinho has been touted as a possible replacement.
As for what comes next for Arbeloa, the 43-year-old’s coaching trajectory remains one of genuine interest. He has shown a clear aptitude for development work through his years in Madrid’s academy, and a step down to manage a mid-level Spanish or European club to build his senior credentials would seem a logical next step.Whether a Premier League return – perhaps in a development or assistant role – is on the cards remains to be seen, but his experience at Anfield and his profile in the game ensure he will not be short of options.