Real Madrid coach Álvaro Arbeloa has said he would be happy if his former manager José Mourinho returned to the Bernabéu amid intense speculation linking the Portuguese tactician with the job. Reports in Spain and Portugal claim club president Florentino Pérez is seriously considering bringing back Mourinho as head coach after a trophyless season.
According to Spanish outlet The Objective, one scenario being explored would see Mourinho installed as first-team manager with Arbeloa staying on as his assistant, effectively recreating their close relationship from the early 2010s. Sources close to the former right-back say he is open to such an arrangement and “would not mind” working under his old boss if it benefits the club.
Speaking recently about the rumours, Arbeloa brushed aside any suggestion that he feels threatened by Mourinho’s possible return. He has consistently described the Benfica coach as one of his biggest influences and referred to himself as “one of Mourinho’s boys”, acknowledging the Portuguese’s role in shaping his football ideas.
Mourinho, for his part, has kept the door open while insisting he remains focused on Benfica, who have a Champions League clause in his contract that could allow him to leave for around €3m at the end of the season. Reports suggest the Real Madrid hierarchy see him as a proven winner who could restore discipline and mentality after a difficult campaign.
As speculation swirls, Arbeloa has admitted that Madrid may need a “different mentality” and stronger structure to compete for major trophies again, but has stopped short of confirming any direct talks over his own future. For now, he says his focus is on finishing the season as strongly as possible, while the board decides what direction to take with the bench this summer.
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