Newsletters
Real Madrid coach Alvaro Arbeloa, speaking ahead of Saturday’s clash with Sevilla, voiced his support for a potential return of Jose Mourinho to the Santiago Bernabeu.
Mourinho, who previously managed Real Madrid from 2010 to 2013, has reportedly emerged as a leading candidate to take charge following another disappointing campaign for the Spanish giants.
Los Blancos are set to conclude the season without a major trophy for the second consecutive year, increasing pressure on club president Florentino Perez to oversee significant changes ahead of next season.
“For me, as a former player and as a Madridista, Jose Mourinho is number one. He’s one of ours,” Arbeloa told reporters.
“If he comes back next year, I’ll be very happy to see him back home.”
Arbeloa, who replaced Xabi Alonso in January, has struggled to reverse Madrid’s fortunes during a turbulent second half of the campaign. The club’s difficulties were compounded last weekend when Barcelona defeated Real Madrid in El Clasico to secure the La Liga title.
The 42-year-old coach also addressed recent criticism from star forward Kylian Mbappe after the French international was left on the bench during Madrid’s midweek victory over Real Oviedo.
Mbappe had recently returned from a thigh injury that sidelined him for the Clasico defeat and was reportedly frustrated by his reduced role upon his return.
Arbeloa sought to downplay the situation, insisting such reactions are common among elite players.
“I’ve just spoken with him and told him to stay calm,” Arbeloa said.
“I understand that situations like this become headlines, but it is much more normal than people think. I used to be a player myself, so I understand what they feel when they stop playing regularly.”
He added that Mbappe’s frustration reflected his competitive mentality.
“I totally understand that Kylian was not happy about not playing, and I like that,” Arbeloa stated. “I would not understand it if he did not want to play. My relationship with him remains the same.”
Set as preferred source
Set as preferred source
1 min read
1 min read
