Álvaro Arbeloa wants to work abroad after Real exit

Álvaro Arbeloa took charge of Real's first team in January after the club sacked former Bayer champion-maker Xabi Alonso, but he could not prevent a second straight campaign without silverware. Shortly before the season's end he confirmed he would not remain as head coach; Real has already named José Mourinho as his successor.

After 20 years in various roles at the club, he now wants to work abroad, according to Sport Bild. That move could have taken him to Leverkusen, where current coach Kasper Hjulmand now looks set to be sacked despite holding a contract until 2027, after the club missed out on Champions League qualification.

The search for his successor has hit a snag for sporting directors Fernando Caro and Simon Rolfes. Their first choice was fellow Spaniard Andoni Iraola, who is leaving AFC Bournemouth after three successful years, but Liverpool's weekend sacking of Arne Slot made Iraola the Reds' top target.

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