Movement on the bench: Guardiola and Arbeloa leave Manchester City and Real Madrid

The start of European soccer's 2026-2027 season begins with big announcements from some of the continent's top teams. Before the end of the current season, two moves have already been made official, specifically in the dugouts. This Friday it was confirmed that Pep Guardiola will step down as manager of Manchester City after a decade at the helm.

The same has happened at Real Madrid, which will begin a new stage after a disappointing year with a new coach, following the official departure of Álvaro Arbeloa.

Guardiola at Man City: 20 titles, one Champions League, and a billion-dollar spending spree

After achieving success at FC Barcelona and Bayern Munich, Guardiola embarked on a new coaching adventure in 2016—arguably his most demanding yet, as he was joining what is considered the most challenging soccer league in the world: the Premier League. That summer, he accepted the offer from Manchester City’s ownership to transform a second-tier team into a top-tier one.

A decade later, it must be said that he accomplished his mission. Guardiola led the Citizens—as Manchester City is popularly known—to add 20 titles to their trophy case. Among them was the first UEFA Champions League title in club history, won in the 2022–2023 season:

That said, he has had access to all the resources he has requested over the past 10 years to carry out his work. These resources have come in the form of players: Erling Haaland, Rodri Hernández, Jack Grealish, Rúben Dias, Josko Gvardiol, and Riyad Mahrez are just some of the major signings he has made.

On May 22, 2026, days after Arsenal FC denied Manchester City the 2025–2026 Premier League title, Guardiola’s departure was confirmed.

"Over the last ten years honesty and trust have formed the bedrock on which we have navigated every situation together with Pep – always understanding that we could find the right answer together. Today the right answer is for Pep to finish his journey as the Manager of Manchester City," said club Chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak in a statement. ”As a result, the Club has a decade of memories and success to be forever grateful for, and much more than that, an evolution that cannot be undone."

Arbeloa at Real Madrid: Just half a season full of disappointments and controversy

Another notable development that has now been made official is Álvaro Arbeloa’s departure from Real Madrid. Europe’s most successful club, which has endured one of the worst seasons in its history, marked by poor results and tensions within the locker room—is now forced to get back on track. To do so, it will bring in a new coach.

Arbeloa himself confirmed his departure at a press conference held this Friday. “I hope this is just a ‘see you later’; I’ve always considered Real Madrid my home. I’ve been with Real Madrid for 20 years—it’s my home,” he said, answering “yes” when asked if he was confirming his departure.

Arbeloa took over as Real Madrid’s head coach in January, following Xabi Alonso’s dismissal. His start at the helm of Real Madrid was not what he had hoped for: the team was eliminated from the Copa del Rey by Albacete, a second-division side. From there, it was one disappointment after another, with the victory over Manchester City in the UEFA Champions League round of 16 as the only bright spot. Tensions in the locker room—with leaks to the press—and even physical altercations, in addition to ending the season without a single title, have marked Arbeloa’s tenure at Real Madrid.