Mourinho Supports Arbeloa Ahead of Benfica Clash in Lisbon

José Mourinho expressed his support for former player Álvaro Arbeloa, who has recently taken on the coaching role at Real Madrid, except when they face each other in a crucial match against Benfica on October 25, 2023, in Lisbon. Arbeloa, who previously managed Madrid’s reserves, Castilla, has stepped into this significant position following the dismissal of another Mourinho disciple, Xabi Alonso. In his first Champions League match as head coach, Arbeloa led his team to an impressive 6-1 victory over AS Monaco.

During a press conference on October 24, Mourinho voiced his hopes for Arbeloa’s success, stating, “Arbeloa can coach any club in the world, and I would want him to do well just as I want the best for Real Madrid.” He acknowledged Arbeloa as one of his “boys” and emphasized his love for the club and its former players. However, he added, “I only want things to go badly for them tomorrow,” highlighting the competitive nature of the upcoming clash.

Mourinho refrained from offering coaching advice, as he has not observed Arbeloa’s training sessions. “The important thing is that he is happy. It’s difficult to be a coach nowadays,” he noted. The former Real Madrid manager, who has had a storied career, reflected on the challenges faced by new coaches in the sport, where criticism and scrutiny are commonplace.

Arbeloa’s journey to the coaching position is notable, given his lack of prior experience at the highest level. He had been leading Castilla since June 2025 before his recent promotion. Mourinho shared insights about the broader trend of clubs hiring coaches without extensive backgrounds, recalling his own unexpected opportunity at Benfica in the year 2000.

He described Arbeloa as “not the best player, but perhaps one of the best men at Madrid,” emphasizing the personal bond they share. Mourinho’s admiration extends to Xabi Alonso, whose brief tenure as head coach at Bayer Leverkusen ended abruptly. Mourinho expressed optimism regarding Alonso’s future, stating, “Xabi is another of my boys. I only have positive memories of him.”

As the Champions League match approaches, the stakes are high for both teams. Benfica needs a victory to maintain their hopes of advancing in the competition, while Real Madrid is looking to secure a place in the knockout rounds. Mourinho acknowledged the urgency of the situation, saying, “When you have nothing to lose, you have to go all out. It’s kill or be killed.”

He also remarked on the formidable nature of Real Madrid’s squad, noting, “They’re at such a high level that they’re waiting for you to make a mistake.” The focus for both teams will be on executing their strategies effectively, with Mourinho emphasizing the importance of balance in their approach to the game.

As the match draws near, fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see how Arbeloa’s leadership unfolds in this high-pressure environment, as Mourinho’s legacy continues to influence the landscape of European football.