Jose Mourinho: Real Madrid Coach Álvaro Arbeloa Is Like One of My ‘Children’

Benfica head coach José Mourinho has described Real Madrid manager Álvaro Arbeloa as being like one of his “children” ahead of the two sides’ Champions League meeting on Wednesday night.

The veteran Portuguese coach worked closely with Arbeloa during his spell at Real Madrid between 2010 and 2013, forging a strong bond with the former defender at a time when the dressing room was often divided. Mourinho was keen to stress that his recent comments about inexperienced managers leading elite European clubs were not aimed at his former player.

Mourinho’s remarks last week were widely interpreted as a veiled criticism of Arbeloa’s appointment at Madrid, as well as of Cristian Chivu’s installation at Inter Milan last summer. However, the Benfica boss moved to clarify his position, insisting his words had been misunderstood.

“There is one problem — both Chivu and Arbeloa are my children,” Mourinho said at a press conference on Tuesday.
“They are not just former players of mine, they are special.

“Speaking about Álvaro, from a human and personal point of view, he is one of my favourites of all the players I coached. He may not be the greatest footballer ever to play for Real Madrid, but he is certainly one of the best men I worked with there.”

Mourinho added that he himself had been surprised when he was first given a major coaching opportunity at Benfica in 2000, and that his comments could not reasonably be viewed as an insult.

“The last thing I would ever do is put pressure on him,” the 63-year-old explained.
“I want everything to go well for him and for him to have a fantastic career as a coach.”

‘No Call Was Necessary’

Mourinho revealed he has not spoken directly to Arbeloa since the 43-year-old replaced Xabi Alonso at the helm of Real Madrid, but insisted no contact was required.

“My phone situation is complicated,” Mourinho said with a smile.
“Only my family has my number, and the other phone keeps changing. People lose my contact and I lose theirs.

“But with Álvaro, no call is necessary. He knows I wish him well. Just as I want Real Madrid to win matches, Álvaro wants to beat Benfica — and after that, he wants Benfica to win every game. That’s normal.”

Mourinho admitted he is not yet in a position to judge Arbeloa’s coaching qualities, having not closely followed Madrid’s reserve or youth sides.

“I cannot analyse him as a coach because I don’t really know him in that role,” he said.
“I’ve seen results, but I haven’t followed the development of the young players with my own eyes.

“I have no advice to give him. The most important thing for me is that he is happy and enjoys it, because coaching today is a very difficult job.”

Real Madrid can secure qualification for the last 16 with a victory, while Benfica must win and rely on other results to reach the play-off round.

Arbeloa responded warmly to Mourinho’s comments, admitting he was deeply moved.

“I was very proud to hear what he said about me,” the Madrid coach said.
“Emotional and happy. José has been more than a coach to me — on every level.

“He was very important during my career, and today I consider him a great friend. I’m looking forward to seeing him tomorrow and giving him a big hug.”

Madrid defender Álvaro Carreras, who will face his former club, warned that pressure remains relentless at the Bernabéu despite recent wins.

“We may be in a good moment, but if something goes wrong tomorrow it will suddenly be considered Madrid’s worst period again,” Carreras said.
“I like that pressure. Without it, this wouldn’t be the club the fans love.”