Arbeloa 'My Child', Not My Enemy: Jose Mourinho Calls Real Madrid Boss 'Special'

Last Updated:January 27, 2026, 22:54 IST

Mourinho praised Alvaro Arbeloa ahead of Benfica vs Real Madrid in the UCL, stressing respect and pride, not rivalry.

Alvaro Arbeloa and Jose Mourinho during their Real Madrid days (Getty Images)

Jose Mourinho insists there’s no bad blood ahead of Wednesday’s Champions League showdown between Benfica and Real Madrid — only pride.

The veteran Benfica boss moved quickly to defuse suggestions he had taken a swipe at Madrid coach Alvaro Arbeloa, insisting the former defender remains one of his own.

“Both Chivu and Arbeloa are my children," Mourinho said on Tuesday, addressing claims that recent comments about inexperienced managers were digs at Europe’s newest appointments. “They are not just ex-players, they are special."

Mourinho coached Arbeloa during his turbulent but trophy-laden spell at Real Madrid from 2010 to 2013, forging a close bond in a fractured dressing room. And while Arbeloa may be new to elite management, Mourinho made clear he would never undermine him.

“From a human and personal point of view, he is one of my favourites ever," the 63-year-old said. “Maybe not the best player to wear the Real Madrid shirt, but certainly one of the best men I have coached."

Mourinho also pointed out the irony of the criticism, reminding reporters that he himself was handed the Benfica job as a young coach back in 2000.

“The last thing I would do is put pressure on him," he said. “I want him to have a fantastic career."

Despite the build-up, Mourinho revealed there has been no contact between the two managers — and none is needed.

“He knows how I feel," Mourinho shrugged. “He wants to beat Benfica, of course. And after that, he hopes Benfica win every game. No call is necessary."

While full of affection, Mourinho stopped short of analysing Arbeloa’s coaching credentials.

“I don’t know him as a coach yet. I’ve seen results, not the work," he admitted. “Coaching today is a very difficult mission. What matters is that he’s happy and enjoys it."

The stakes are clear: Real Madrid can secure a place in the last 16 with a win, while Benfica must win and rely on other results to stay alive in Europe.

(with AFP inputs)

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