Jose Mourinho walked into the pre-match spotlight with a smile and a touch of nostalgia ahead of Benfica’s Champions League showdown with Real Madrid.
The Portuguese coach made it clear that facing Alvaro Arbeloa isn’t just another tactical duel — it’s personal in the warmest possible way.
To Mourinho, the Madrid boss is still very much one of his own.
From Dressing Room to Dugout
Mourinho and Arbeloa go way back.
The pair worked closely during Mourinho’s spell at Real Madrid between 2010 and 2013, a turbulent period inside the club’s dressing room.
Arbeloa, then a dependable defender, earned Mourinho’s trust not just on the pitch, but as a steady presence behind the scenes.
That bond, Mourinho says, hasn’t faded with time or job titles.
Clearing the Air After Raised Eyebrows
Last week, Mourinho raised a few eyebrows after saying he was “surprised” to see inexperienced coaches leading elite European clubs.
Some interpreted it as a thinly veiled swipe at Arbeloa, now in charge of Madrid.
Mourinho moved quickly to shut that idea down.
He explained that similar comments in Italy had also been misread as criticism of Inter’s decision to appoint Cristian Chivu — another former player of his.
“They Are My Children”
Mourinho didn’t mince his words when asked about the two young coaches.
“There is one problem,” he said. “Both Chivu and Arbeloa are my children.”
He described Arbeloa as one of his favorite players on a human level, praising his character, empathy, and professionalism.
While he stopped short of calling him Madrid’s greatest-ever player, Mourinho was emphatic about one thing: Arbeloa is among the best men he’s ever coached.
No Pressure, Only Support
The Benfica coach insisted his comments were never meant as criticism.
He even pointed to his own early break into top-level management, recalling how surprised he was when Benfica handed him the reins back in 2000.
“The last thing I would do is put pressure on him,” Mourinho said.
“I want everything to go well for him. I want him to have a fantastic career.”
Why There Was No Phone Call
Despite the affection, Mourinho revealed he hasn’t spoken to Arbeloa since he took over at Madrid — and that’s perfectly fine by him.
Between changing phone numbers and keeping his private contact list tight, Mourinho joked that people often lose his number, and he loses theirs too.
But with Arbeloa, he said, words aren’t needed.
Both men know the script: Madrid will try to beat Benfica, and once that’s done, they’ll quietly wish each other success.
Judging From Afar
When it comes to Arbeloa’s coaching credentials, Mourinho admitted he’s not yet in a position to evaluate them.
He hasn’t watched Madrid’s youth or reserve teams closely, so any technical assessment would be unfair.
For now, his only concern is simple: that Arbeloa is happy and fulfilled in a profession Mourinho described as increasingly demanding and unforgiving.
What’s at Stake on the Night
The match itself carries heavy implications.
A Real Madrid victory would secure their place in the Champions League last 16.
Benfica, meanwhile, need a win of their own and a helping hand from other results just to stay alive in the competition.
Arbeloa Responds With Emotion
Arbeloa, for his part, said he chose not to call Mourinho out of respect, preferring not to intrude.
Still, he admitted hearing his former coach’s words left him deeply moved.
“He’s been more than a coach for me,” Arbeloa said. “On all levels.”
Now considering Mourinho a close friend, Arbeloa said he’s looking forward to seeing him at the stadium — and greeting him with a hug.
Pressure Comes With the Badge
Madrid defender Alvaro Carreras also weighed in ahead of the match, acknowledging the unforgiving expectations that come with wearing white.
Even after three straight wins, he knows one slip could flip the narrative overnight.
“That’s Real Madrid,” Carreras said. “I like the pressure.
Without it, it wouldn’t be the club everyone loves.”
A Night of Football, History, and Respect
Beyond qualification scenarios and tactical battles, Wednesday’s clash carries a deeper subplot — a reunion between mentor and protégé, bound by shared history and mutual respect, now standing on opposite sides under Europe’s brightest lights.
Share on Facebook «||» Share on Twitter «||» Share on Reddit «||» Share on LinkedIn