Álvaro Arbeloa has expressed his ongoing admiration for José Mourinho, calling him “one of us” as Real Madrid prepares to face Benfica in the Champions League. The match will take place at the Estadio da Luz, where Madrid currently holds 15 points and aims to secure their position in the knockout stage.
Mourinho’s Connection to Real Madrid
Mourinho, who managed Real Madrid from 2010 to 2013, played a pivotal role in Arbeloa’s career. In a recent press conference, Arbeloa, now the head coach of Madrid, described Mourinho as a “role model” and emphasized the uniqueness of his coaching style.
Arbeloa’s Insights on Mourinho
- Arbeloa took over as coach from Xabi Alonso earlier this month.
- He has secured three consecutive wins since a Copa del Rey exit.
- He connected with Mourinho, indicating the depth of their friendship.
According to Arbeloa, his success as a coach will not come from imitating Mourinho. “There will never be anyone like José,” he stated. He expressed his respect for Mourinho, noting he has tried to minimize their communication due to Mourinho’s hectic schedule.
Future Speculations and Legacy
When asked about the possibility of Mourinho returning to Real Madrid, Arbeloa refrained from making predictions. Mourinho is currently under pressure at Benfica following a challenging season.
The upcoming match in Lisbon holds particular significance, as it marks the venue where Real Madrid won the Champions League in 2014. This triumph came a year after Mourinho’s departure, during which he led the team to three consecutive semifinal appearances.
- Arbeloa highlighted Mourinho’s contributions, stating he laid the groundwork for future successes.
- He acknowledged the respect Mourinho commands within the club.
In closing, Arbeloa’s statements reaffirm Mourinho’s enduring bond with Real Madrid. “He’s always been valued within the club,” Arbeloa concluded, emphasizing Mourinho’s lasting legacy as part of the Real Madrid family.
