Real Madrid confirms exit of Arbeloa

Real Madrid on Tuesday confirmed that it had parted ways with head coach Alvaro Arbeloa by mutual consent, Sportstar reported.

A former Real Madrid defender who previously coached the club’s youth and reserve teams, Arbeloa was appointed in January following the departure of compatriot Xabi Alonso. He guided the 15-time European champion to a second-place finish in La Liga.

Alonso left after the Spanish Super Cup defeat to Barcelona, but Arbeloa also struggled to stabilise a fractured dressing room as results and performances continued to decline.

“Real Madrid C. F. and Alvaro Arbeloa have reached an agreement to end ‌his time as coach of ​the first team,” the club said in a statement.

“Real Madrid ⁠is very grateful to Alvaro Arbeloa, who throughout his career at the club, ‌since he arrived at our youth academy, has always shown loyalty, commitment and professionalism. He represents an example of the values of our club.”

In the lead-up to Sunday’s vote, club president Florentino Perez made it clear that he intends to appoint Jose Mourinho as manager, with speculation over the former coach’s return to Real Madrid continuing to gather papace.

Real’s season unravelled on several fronts, including a Champions ‌League quarterfinal exit to Bayern Munich and finishing second in La Liga ​behind champion Barcelona.