Bayer Leverkusen reject Alvaro Arbeloa for manager role
The Bundesliga side has turned down an offer to hire the former Real Madrid coach as they continue their search for a successor to Kasper Hjulmand.
Bayer Leverkusen have decided against appointing Alvaro Arbeloa as their next manager. According to reports from German publication Bild, the 43-year-old was offered to the club's leadership by his management team, but the Bundesliga side opted not to pursue the appointment following internal discussions.
Arbeloa, who recently departed Real Madrid after a brief stint in charge of the first team, is keen to test himself abroad. Despite his pedigree and experience managing high-profile stars during his time at the Bernabeu, Leverkusen's board was not convinced he is the right fit to lead the club back to the top of German football, where they aim to challenge Bayern Munich.
The decision was heavily influenced by Leverkusen's long-term scouting of Arbeloa during his tenure as a youth coach at Real Madrid between 2022 and 2025. Feedback from their scouting department suggested that the coach has not yet reached the level of development required for the project.
This rejection adds to a frustrating search for a new head coach. Leverkusen recently missed out on former Chelsea defender Filipe Luis, who agreed to join Monaco, while another top target, Andoni Iraola, is reportedly the leading candidate for the vacant position at Liverpool.
Current coach Kasper Hjulmand remains in his position for now, though the club intends to make his departure official once a replacement is secured. The leadership is under pressure to find a tactical mind capable of replicating the success seen under the reign of Xabi Alonso.