Real Madrid has announced the departure of its now former head coach Alvaro Arbeloa through an official statement.
“Real Madrid C. F. and Alvaro Arbeloa have reached an agreement to end his time as coach of the first team,” began a Tuesday evening communicado on the matter.
“Real Madrid is very grateful to Alvaro Arbeloa, who throughout his career at the club, since he arrived at our academy, has always shown loyalty, commitment and professionalism. His figure represents an example of the values of our club.
“Real Madrid, which will always be his home, wishes Alvaro Arbeloa and his entire family the best of luck in this new stage of their lives,” it then concluded.
Arbeloa lasted half a season at Real Madrid and will be replaced by his idol
Coming in for Xabi Alonso, following a January dismissal of his former teammate after a Spanish Super Cup defeat to FC Barcelona, Arbeloa has lasted just under half a season in the Bernabeu dugout.
After impressive work in the Castilla, Arbeloa’s promotion to the elite perhaps came a little too soon. But when Florentino Perez makes the call, you have to respond.
Arbeloa should be commended for his bravery and not shying away from the challenge. He promoted youth products such as Thiago Pitarch to the first team, and put up a good fight in losses such as the Champions League quarterfinal second leg loss to Bayern Munich at the Allianz.
That being said, Madrid also ceded the La Liga title to Barcelona yet again and went a second campaign trophyless – which is unacceptable for a club of this stature.
Ironically, Arbeloa is now set to be replaced by his managerial idol and a figure he played under alongside Alonso in the 2010s.
That’s Jose Mourinho. The Portuguese tactician has already been announced by Perez as his next head coach, should he be re-elected by club members in an election that pitted the construction magnate against Enrique Riquelme.
As of yet, though, there has been no official statement on Mourinho after Perez won a Sunday vote.
Also on Tuesday, Real Madrid confirmed that it has lodged a $175 million bid for Julian Alvarez which has been rejected by crosstown rival and the Argentine’s employers, Atletico Madrid.