Real Madrid head coach Álvaro Arbeloa has confirmed he will leave the club at the end of the season, with José Mourinho reportedly close to making a return to the Santiago Bernabéu.
Arbeloa, 43, was promoted from Real Madrid B in January after replacing former teammate Xabi Alonso. However, his stint in charge is set to end following a disappointing season in which Madrid failed to secure any major trophy.
Mourinho, who is currently managing Benfica, is believed to be in advanced talks with Real Madrid over a return to the club he previously managed between 2010 and 2013.
Speaking ahead of Saturday’s La Liga clash against Athletic Bilbao, Arbeloa dismissed any possibility of joining Mourinho’s coaching crew.
“Mou has a fantastic technical team and trusted people around him. If he returns to Madrid, he will come with his own staff,” Arbeloa said.
“There’s no possibility of me working with him. As for my future, I’ll start thinking about it from Monday.”
Real Madrid are expected to finish second in La Liga and will complete a second consecutive campaign without silverware. Their UEFA Champions League journey also ended in disappointment after a quarter-final defeat to Bayern Munich.
Reflecting on his departure, Arbeloa admitted he hopes it will not be a permanent goodbye.
“I hope it’s more of a ‘see you later.’ Madrid has always been my home and I’ve been part of this club in different roles for 20 years,” he said.
“This will be my final game this season as Real Madrid coach, though I don’t know if it will be my last ever with the club.
“You never know. I just want to enjoy it and finish with a victory.”