Real Madrid announced that Álvaro Arbeloa and the club have mutually agreed to part ways, bringing an end to a short‑lived coaching spell that began in January after Xabi Alonso's departure. The board cited a lack of progress in turning the squad into a trophy‑contending unit, marking the second consecutive season without a major title.
Mourinho’s Return
José Mourinho, the Portuguese tactician who guided Real Madrid to a Copa del Rey and a Champions League semi‑final between 2010 and 2013, is set to resume his role at the Santiago Bernabéu. His appointment comes as part of a broader strategy outlined by club president Florentino Pérez during his recent re‑election campaign.
Pérez had pledged to restore the club’s winning pedigree, promising a series of high‑profile signings and a renewed focus on attacking football. Among the names floated in the transfer market, Atlético Madrid rejected a reported €150 million offer for Argentine forward Julián Álvarez, a move that underscores the competitive nature of the market.
The decision follows a turbulent period on the pitch. Real Madrid were eliminated by Bayern Munich in the Champions League and finished behind FC Barcelona in La Liga, a double disappointment that intensified scrutiny on the coaching staff.
Despite the recent setbacks, Arbeloa publicly endorsed Mourinho’s comeback, stating that the veteran manager’s experience and tactical acumen align with the club’s ambitions. The sentiment reflects a segment of the fan base that remains loyal to Mourinho’s previous successes.
As the new season approaches, the club’s hierarchy hopes the Mourinho era will usher in a fresh competitive edge, with an eye on both domestic dominance and deep runs in Europe. The coming weeks will reveal how quickly the Portuguese coach can reshape the squad and whether the promised signings will materialize.