Álvaro Arbeloa, a former Real Madrid defender and current youth team coach, has voiced strong support for José Mourinho’s potential return to the Santiago Bernabéu. Speaking to the media, Arbeloa did not hide his enthusiasm, stating he would be “very happy” to see the Portuguese manager back at the helm of the first team.
The 41-year-old, who manages Real Madrid’s Juvenil A side, described Mourinho as “one of us” and hailed him as the “number one” coach. These remarks come amid ongoing speculation about Carlo Ancelotti’s long-term future, with Mourinho frequently linked to the job he held from 2010 to 2013.
Arbeloa and Mourinho share a history from their time together at Madrid, where the defender was a key part of a squad that won La Liga in 2012 with a record points total, as well as the Copa del Rey in 2011. Arbeloa’s admiration for Mourinho has been consistent, and his latest comments reinforce the bond between the two.
After leaving Roma earlier this year, Mourinho remains out of work, making him an attractive candidate for any top club. Arbeloa, however, framed his support not in terms of managerial availability but in personal terms, emphasizing Mourinho’s connection to Real Madrid’s identity. “He’s one of us,” Arbeloa said, in a phrase that resonates deeply with the club’s sense of belonging.
Though Arbeloa is not part of the senior setup, his voice carries influence as a former player with over 200 appearances for Los Blancos. His public backing of Mourinho could add weight to the speculation surrounding the next permanent manager, especially if results under Ancelotti dip in the coming months.
The reaction among Madridistas has been mixed, with some fans recalling the turbulent end to Mourinho’s first stint, while others remember the fierce mentality he instilled. Arbeloa’s endorsement, however, serves as a reminder of the special place Mourinho holds for those who worked with him.
With the summer transfer window approaching and key decisions on the horizon, Arbeloa’s words may fuel further debate about who should lead Real Madrid into a new era. For now, the focus remains on the current campaign, but the shadow of a possible Mourinho return looms large.
Based on reporting from ESPN.