Former Real Madrid manager José Mourinho has endorsed Álvaro Arbeloa for a long-term stay in the Santiago Bernabéu dugout, despite preparing to face his former student in a high-stakes European clash. Reports indicate that Arbeloa, who stepped into the first-team role in January 2026 following Xabi Alonso’s departure, has solidified his status with a contract extending through June 2027. While the deal moves him beyond interim status, his long-term continuity remains contingent on maintaining Real Madrid’s current lead at the summit of La Liga, where they currently sit two points clear of arch-rivals Barcelona.
Speaking ahead of Tuesday’s Champions League playoff first leg at the Estádio da Luz, Mourinho—now at the helm of Benfica—struck a balance between sentimental loyalty and professional ruthlessness. The Portuguese tactician expressed a deep desire to eliminate the Spanish giants from the continent’s elite competition while simultaneously rooting for them to secure domestic silverware. Mourinho, who famously departed Madrid in 2013 on amicable terms with President Florentino Pérez, remains a beloved figure among the fan base for restoring the club’s competitive edge against a peak Barcelona era.
“The day I left, the president told me: ‘You’ve done the difficult thing, now comes the easy part,’” said the former manager of Real Madrid, Inter Milan, Roma, Manchester United, Tottenham, and Sporting CP, as reported by Fabrizio Romano on X. “All the Champions Leagues that came after that brought me happiness. I put in all my effort for Real Madrid. That’s why people respect me. I will be a Madridista FOREVER. This connection will never end. I want to eliminate Real Madrid from the UEFA Champions League, but I still really hope they win La Liga, and I want Arbeloa to keep coaching them for a long time. Álvaro Arbeloa is a real Madridista.”
Arbeloa’s tactical evolution has been a talking point in Spain, particularly his use of Trent Alexander-Arnold in a hybrid midfield role to stabilize a lineup led by a prolific Kylian Mbappé. Mourinho praised the former defender’s character, labeling him a “true Madridista” capable of managing the immense pressure that comes with the job. However, the Benfica boss warned that a “wounded king” is dangerous, acknowledging that Real Madrid will arrive in Lisbon hungry for revenge following their recent league setback.
The encounter marks a historic reunion for the two managers, who shared a successful player-coach relationship during Mourinho’s three-year tenure in Spain. While Arbeloa’s side enters the tie as favorites, Mourinho’s recent success in Portugal has fueled speculation that he could one day return to the Bernabéu if Arbeloa’s project falters. For now, the “Special One” remains focused on masterminding a tactical upset that would see his current squad advance at the expense of his “eternal” club.
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