Alvaro Arbeloa (43) officially announced his farewell to Real Madrid as a coach. At the same time, speculation about the return of taxes Mourinho (62) has gained more traction.
The British 'Independent' reported on the 23rd (Korea time), "Arbeloa confirmed that he will not remain at Real Madrid next season. The possibility of taxes Mourinho returning is increasing."
Arbeloa took the helm of Real as the successor to Xabi Alonso, who left for Chelsea in January. Although he ended the season without trophies, he led the team to second place in the league. However, the points gap with the title-winning Barcelona widened to 11 points.
Locally, the possibility of Mourinho's return is being strongly raised.
Mourinho currently leads SL Benfica. Despite an unbeaten league run this season, the team stayed in third place, and after the season ends there is talk he could leave the team and return to Real Madrid for the first time in 13 years.
Having worked with Real's youth teams and the B team before rising to the senior coaching position, Arbeloa drew a line against the possibility of joining Mourinho's coaching staff.
Ahead of the season finale against Athletic Club, he said at a press conference, "Mourinho already has an excellent coaching staff. There is no possibility that I will join him."
He added, "For the past four months I thought only about Real Madrid and the next match rather than my future. Now that the season is over I will consider what is the best choice for me."
He also said, "A year ago I was the coach of the youth A team. I feel I have grown a lot since then. I am ready for a new challenge."
However, he emphasized that this is not a complete split from Real. Arbeloa said, "This place has always been like my home. I have been with Real in various roles for 20 years," and said, "I don't know yet whether this will be my last game as Real's coach. I hope to return someday."
This Athletic match is also Dani Carvajal's farewell match.
David Alaba is also leaving the team. Alaba spent the past five years at Real, experiencing two UEFA Champions League titles and two La Liga titles.
However, after an anterior cruciate ligament injury in January 2025 his standing was greatly reduced, and he started only three league matches this season.
President Florentino Perez said in farewell remarks, "Alaba received the love of all Madrid fans through his dedication and effort," and said, "Real Madrid will always be his home."
Meanwhile, Athletic Club will also part ways with coach Ernesto Valverde at the end of this weekend. Valverde will remain a legendary coach who led the team over three separate spells and managed more than 500 matches.
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