Real Madrid has parted ways with coach Álvaro Arbeloa. The Royals announced this on Tuesday. The Spaniard succeeded the sacked Xabi Alonso in January, but he was unable to prevent the second titleless season in a row. Arbeloa’s contract was valid until summer 2027.
“Real Madrid is deeply grateful to Álvaro Arbeloa, who has demonstrated loyalty, commitment and professionalism throughout his career at the club, since joining our academy,” Real Madrid said in a statement: “His personality is a true role model for the values of our club.”
Arbeloa was on the pitch for the Spanish record champions for a long time as a player. The 2010 world champion then worked his way up from the youth ranks to coach the first team. In La Liga, Arbeloa finished second behind arch-rivals FC Barcelona, and in the Champions League it was eliminated in the quarter-finals against Bayern Munich.
This clears the way for José Mourinho. The Portuguese is supposed to lead the struggling club to titles again, and the return to the Spanish capital after 13 years has been decided. Real reportedly have to pay Benfica Lisbon 15 million euros for the star coach.