Real Madrid head coach Arbeloa confirms departureImage source, Getty ImagesImage caption, Alvaro Arbeloa played for Real Madrid between 2009 and 2016ByMike PeterBBC Sport journalistPublished22 May 2026, 12:45 BSTUpdated 31 minutes agoReal Madrid head coach Alvaro Arbeloa has confirmed that he will leave the club at the end of the season, with Jose Mourinho set to be named as his replacement.The 43-year-old was promoted from his role leading Real Madrid B in January, replacing former Liverpool team-mate Xabi Alonso, and will now depart the club after a trophyless season.
Mourinho, who has been in charge of Benfica this season, is in final negotiations to take charge at Real, having previously been their manager from 2010 to 2013.
Speaking in a news conference prior to Real’s final match of the season, at home to Athletic Club on Saturday, Arbeloa stated he would be departing rather than joining Mourinho’s staff.
“Mou has a fantastic technical team, he’s got good people around him, if he comes to Madrid he will come with his team,” stated Arbeloa.
“There’s no chance that I would be with him. Then, my future… from Monday I’ll think about that.”
