"He is more than just a coach" - Álvaro Arbeloa shares his thoughts on José Mourinho

Tomorrow promises a thrilling showdown as the protégé faces off against his mentor.

Details: Ahead of the eighth round Champions League group stage clash between Lisbon's Benfica and Madrid's Real, “Los Blancos” head coach Álvaro Arbeloa opened up about his counterpart and former mentor, José Mourinho.

Arbeloa makes no secret of the fact that Mourinho is a true legend and role model for him:

“It's a huge honor for me to hear Mourinho speak kindly about me. He means so much more to me than just a coach. It moved me and made me happy.” When I was a player, we used to play Mourinho's press conferences in the dressing room and listen to them. I never missed one back then, and I didn't miss today's either. I'm not the new Mourinho. There will never be another Mourinho.” Arbeloa said.

Álvaro Arbeloa played under José Mourinho from 2010 to 2013, during Mourinho's tenure at Real Madrid.

At the helm of Real, Mourinho managed 178 matches, claiming 127 victories, 28 draws, and suffering 23 defeats.

Reminder: "He's my child, not just a former player" - Mourinho shares heartfelt words about Arbeloa ahead of Benfica vs Real Madrid clash