Real Madrid head coach Alvaro Arbeloa has confirmed he will leave the club at the end of the season after only five months in charge.
Arbeloa, who was promoted from managing Real Madrid B in January, replaced former coach Xabi Alonso but endured a difficult spell that ended without any major trophies. Real Madrid finished as La Liga runners-up and were eliminated from the Champions League in the quarter-finals by Bayern Munich.
Arbeloa also ruled out joining the coaching staff of Jose Mourinho, who is expected to return to Real Madrid after negotiations with the club.
Mourinho previously managed the club between 2010 and 2013 and is currently in charge of Benfica. Arbeloa said Mourinho already has his own trusted coaching team and added that he would decide his future after the season ends.
Despite the disappointing campaign, Arbeloa expressed gratitude and emotional attachment to Real Madrid, describing the club as his home after spending around 20 years there as both player and coach.
Saturday’s match against Athletic Club is expected to be his final game in charge.
The club also announced that defender David Alaba will leave when his contract expires. Alaba won 11 trophies during his five years at the club but struggled with major injuries in recent seasons.
Meanwhile, uncertainty surrounding club president Florentino Perez and possible presidential elections could delay the official appointment of Mourinho as the next manager.