Real Madrid confirm Alvaro Arbeloa exit as Jose Mourinho nears return
Alvaro Arbeloa will step down as Real Madrid head coach at the end of the season, clearing the path for the anticipated return of former manager Jose Mourinho.
The Spaniard announced on Friday that he will depart the 15-time European champions following a difficult, trophyless campaign.
He took charge in January after replacing compatriot Xabi Alonso, but failed to reverse the fortunes of the struggling club.
His final match in the dugout will be Saturday’s La Liga fixture against Athletic Bilbao at the Santiago Bernabeu.
Mourinho poised for Bernabeu comeback
Attention has immediately turned to a successor, with widespread reports indicating Mourinho has already agreed terms to take over.
The Portuguese tactician previously managed the Spanish giants between 2010 and 2013, famously securing the league title in 2012.
Since his first stint in the capital, the veteran coach has managed several high-profile teams including Chelsea, Manchester United, and Roma.
Most recently, he guided Benfica to an unbeaten league campaign, although the Lisbon outfit ultimately finished third behind Porto and Sporting.
A season of disappointment in Madrid
The incoming manager will inherit a squad that is guaranteed to finish without silverware for a second consecutive year.
They currently sit 11 points adrift of newly-crowned champions Barcelona with just one domestic fixture remaining.
European ambitions were also dashed at the quarter-final stage of the Champions League following a 6-4 aggregate defeat by Bayern Munich.
Domestic cup success proved equally elusive, as Arbeloa’s tenure began with a shock 3-2 Copa del Rey elimination against Albacete.
During his brief managerial spell, the former club defender oversaw 27 matches in all competitions, recording 17 victories alongside eight defeats.