Real Madrid announced on Monday that coach Álvaro Arbeloa and the club have mutually agreed to part ways, ending a brief but turbulent spell that began in January.
The decision follows a season in which the team failed to add any major silverware, marking the second consecutive campaign without a trophy.
Mourinho’s promised comeback
Club president Florentino Pérez, who was recently re‑elected on a platform that promised the return of José Mourinho, hailed the Portuguese tactician as the man to restore the club’s winning pedigree.
Mourinho, who guided Real Madrid to the Copa del Rey and a Champions League title between 2010 and 2013, is expected to sign a new contract that could see him back at the helm before the end of the transfer window.
A brief interlude
Xabi Alonso was installed in January to replace Arbeloa, but his stint never sparked the turnaround the club had hoped for.
In a statement, Real Madrid expressed gratitude to Arbeloa for his loyalty and professionalism, while confirming that the search for a new coaching direction will now focus on Mourinho’s experience.
The development has sparked a wave of speculation among fans and analysts about the likely transfer activity and tactical reshaping that could follow.
With the new coaching staff in place, the club aims to rebuild momentum and challenge for both domestic and European honors in the upcoming season.