"He's my child, not just a former player" - Mourinho shares heartfelt words about Arbeloa ahead of Benfica vs Real Madrid clash
Benfica head coach José Mourinho delivered warm words about his former player Álvaro Arbeloa, who now leads Los Blancos, on the eve of their Champions League showdown against Real Madrid.
Details: At the pre-match press conference, Benfica boss José Mourinho referred to the ex-defender as “his boy” and admitted he always wishes Real Madrid well—especially with Arbeloa at the helm.
"He wasn't the best footballer I coached in Madrid, but he was certainly one of the best people. He's my child, not just a former player. I want everything to work out for him," Mourinho noted.
However, the manager emphasized that all emotions will be set aside once the match kicks off:
"The only thing I want is for things not to work out for him tomorrow."
Mourinho also recalled another of his protégés—Xabi Alonso—praising his coaching qualities. The Benfica manager expressed confidence that Alonso has a bright future ahead:
“He will be happy and successful. He’s an excellent coach, and his career will head in the right direction.”
Despite his fondness for Real Madrid and his former pupils, Mourinho made it clear there will be no room for sentimentality on match day. At the Estádio da Luz, a principled showdown between mentor and protégé awaits, with the Portuguese determined to fight solely for his team’s victory.
It’s worth noting that the Champions League clash between Benfica and Real Madrid will take place tomorrow, January 28, at 21:00 Central European Time.
Reminder: The son of the legendary Marcelo, Enzo Alves, has signed his first professional contract with Real Madrid.
Steven Perez
Dailysports's expert
