Real Madrid make sacking official ahead of Jose Mourinho appointment | OneFootball

Real Madrid have made the sacking of manager Alvaro Arbeloa official, with Jose Mourinho expected to be announced as his replacement this week. Arbeloa’s future has long been expected to be away from the Santiago Bernabeu after a disappointing second half of the season.

Arbeloa was promoted last summer to be Castilla manager after several successful seasons in the youth ranks, winning the UEFA Youth League with the under-19 side. With Xabi Alonso dismissed in January, Arbeloa was drafted in to take over the senior side, but was eliminated by Albacete in the Copa del Rey, in the Champions League quarter-finals and finished some way off Barcelona in La Liga.

Real Madrid announce Arbeloa departure

With Mourinho already unofficially announced by both Benfica, who confirmed Los Blancos had activated his €15m release clause, and President Florentino Perez, during his election campaign, Arbeloa’s exit was only a matter of time. On Tuesday they made the following statement.

Real Madrid C. F. and Alvaro Arbeloa have reached an agreement to end his tenure as the first-team coach.

Real Madrid is deeply grateful to Alvaro Arbeloa, who throughout his career at the club, from the time he joined our academy, has always demonstrated loyalty, commitment, and professionalism. His persona is a true example of the values of our club.

Real Madrid, which will always be his home, wishes Alvaro Arbeloa and his entire family the best of luck in this new chapter of their lives.

When will Jose Mourinho be announced as manager?

Image via Angel Martinez/Getty Images

It is not yet clear when Mourinho will be presented as manager for a second time, but it is expected to be at some point this week. He arrived in the Spanish capital on Tuesday, and has already put pen to paper on a three-year deal. Mourinho’s first spell lasted three years, and ended back in 2013, going on to manage Chelsea, Manchester United, Tottenham Hotspur, AS Roma and Fenerbahce since.