Former Liverpool player officially confirms he’s leaving Real Madrid
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It has been a troubling season for Real Madrid who finish a second consecutive campaign without major silverware. Image Credits: Imago ImagesReal Madrid’s 2025/26 campaign has felt like a slow-motion car crash and many supporters will simply be relieved when it finally ends against Athletic Club this weekend.Xabi Alonso’s return as head coach was sold as a romantic reunion and a tactical reset, but by January it had turned toxic enough that the club chose to cut ties after just 232 days in charge and a Supercopa final defeat to Barcelona.The cracks have been visible in the dressing room too, most notably with the very public bust‑up between Aurelien Tchouameni and Federico Valverde at the training ground.The altercation reportedly left Valverde needing hospital treatment and saw both players hit with hefty €500,000 fines, with the club forced to issue statements about apologies.For many Madridistas, that incident summed up the mood: tension, frustration and a sense that the unity which once defined their greatest sides has been badly eroded this year.And while Santiago Bernabéu crowds are never shy about voicing their displeasure, there is also an element of farewell in the air, with club captain Dani Carjaval set to leave this summer.But the long-serving right-back is not the only now confirmed to be leaving this summer.While it was widely reported that he would be departing the Spanish giants at the end of the season, former Liverpool defender Alvaro Arbeloa has now confirmed he will be leaving the managerial post when speaking in his pre-Athletic Bilbao press conference on Friday:“I want to see a great match and say goodbye to the fans by giving them a victory and a great effort.
The most important thing on a day like tomorrow is to make them enjoy it,” the Spanish manager said.“Hopefully, it’s a ‘see you later’ because I have always considered this my home. I have been part of Real Madrid for 20 years in many roles, and I will always consider it my home.
It’s clear that this will be my last match this season as coach of Real Madrid, but I don’t know if it will be the last of my life as a Real Madrid coach. I will try to enjoy it and focus on winning.”As for what comes next for Arbeloa, he has already proved his knack for developing young talent in Madrid’s academy.A senior job at a mid-level club in Spain or elsewhere in Europe feels like a natural next step to strengthen his credentials on the touchline.