Mourinho wishes success to Madrid’s Arbeloa — except against Benfica.
Benfica manager José Mourinho expresses his best wishes for his former player Álvaro Arbeloa as he takes on the role of coach at Real Madrid, except when the two teams meet on Wednesday in Lisbon for the Champions League.
Arbeloa succeeded another of Mourinho’s former Real Madrid players, Xabi Alonso, earlier this month and led the team to a 6-1 victory over Monaco at the Bernabéu stadium in his inaugural Champions League match in charge.
“My first thought [upon learning of his appointment] was that I hope it goes well,” Mourinho remarked about Arbeloa’s new position during a news conference on Tuesday.
“Arbeloa is capable of coaching any club globally, and I wish him success just as I desire the best for Real Madrid. Arbeloa is one of my own. I have a deep affection for Madrid and for Arbeloa; I only want things to go poorly for them tomorrow.”
“I have not had a conversation with Álvaro. I cannot evaluate him as a coach since I have not observed his training sessions.”
“What matters is that he finds happiness in his role. I cannot offer him any guidance. Coaching is challenging these days. There are always many who believe they know more than you and comment on you daily. Therefore, you must enjoy what you do.”
Arbeloa, 43, lacks prior experience coaching at the top level.
He had been in charge of Madrid’s reserves, Castilla, since June 2025 before being elevated to the main position this month.
When asked about his recent remarks questioning the hiring of “coaches with no history” at some of the world’s largest clubs, Mourinho reflected on his initial significant opportunity as coach of Benfica.
“What surprises me is when a coach without a background is appointed at a major club,” he stated. “However, let me share that in 2000, a prominent club like Benfica hired a coach who had not previously managed anyone, and that coach was surprised to learn they did not want him as an assistant.”
“He believed they were offering him the assistant role when they intended for him to be the head coach, which was quite a surprise.”
“In Spain, you mentioned Arbeloa. He, like [former Inter Milan star and current Inter coach Cristian] Chivu, are my boys; they are former players of mine and hold a special place in my heart. Arbeloa is one of my favorite players, both personally and in terms of human connection.”
“He may not have been the best player, but he was perhaps one of the finest individuals at Madrid. I sincerely hope everything goes well for him and that he enjoys a remarkable career.”
Mourinho, on the other hand, is confident that Arbeloa’s predecessor, Xabi Alonso, will recover from his dismissal.
When asked if he was taken aback by Alonso’s exit after seven months in charge, Mourinho replied: “Xabi is another of my boys. I hold only positive memories of him. I faced Xabi Alonso [when he was managing Bayer Leverkusen], and I felt emotional both before and after competing against his team.”
“I am very pleased with what he accomplished at Bayer Leverkusen and delighted that he arrived at Madrid. I am not concerned about how it concluded. In football, nothing surprises me; anything can occur. His career will take a different direction.”
“He has demonstrated, particularly at Leverkusen, the level he possesses as a coach.”
Mourinho, 63, joined Real Madrid in 2010 after previously leading FC Porto and Inter Milan to Champions League success.
He guided Madrid to a LaLiga title, along with Copa del Rey and Spanish Supercup victories during his three seasons (2010-13) with the Spanish club.
The former Chelsea and Manchester United manager took over at Benfica in September.
Benfica must defeat Madrid on Wednesday to remain in the competition, while a draw could suffice for Los Blancos to secure a place in the last 16.
“We have no other choice,” Mourinho stated. “When you have nothing to lose, you must go all out. It’s kill or be killed.”
“That is our approach for tomorrow, with a sense of balance. They are a formidable team; these players can take three touches and score three goals.”
“They operate at such a high level that they capitalize on any mistakes you make. We are aware of who they are, but we also recognize who we are. We simply need to concentrate on winning the match, keeping in mind the challenge we face.”
