Arbeloa: “José Mourinho is number 1” as Real Madrid coach reflects on difficult spell
Ahead of Sevilla, Arbeloa spoke about his relationship with Kylian Mbappé and reflected on his biggest regret during his Real Madrid tenure.
Álvaro Arbeloa spoke for just over eight minutes ahead of Real Madrid’s trip to Sevilla, but the conversation quickly drifted away from the match itself.
With Madrid already locked into second place, attention centered on the future, especially Kylian Mbappé’s recent actions and renewed talk about José Mourinho potentially returning to the club.
Mbappé situation downplayed by Arbeloa
Arbeloa insisted there is no issue surrounding Mbappé after reports of frustration following the team’s match against Oviedo.
“I told him to stay calm, that I would handle it,” Arbeloa said. “I understand why these things become news. Everything Kylian said afterward was something we had already discussed.”
The Madrid coach emphasized empathy for players dealing with rotation and playing time.
“I’ve been there,” he said. “I know what it is to play every day, to play less, or not play at all. I understand exactly how players feel in those situations.”
He added that Mbappé’s competitive frustration is not a concern.
“I wouldn’t understand if Kylian Mbappé didn’t want to play. For me, this is much more normal than it has been made out to be.”
Arbeloa said his relationship with the French star remains unchanged.
No concern over private conversations
Asked whether Mbappé’s comments bothered him, Arbeloa downplayed the idea of any fallout.
“When I speak with players, I’m not afraid of them commenting on what we discuss,” he said. “I prefer private conversations stay private, but it doesn’t bother me.”
Mourinho praise returns to center stage
One of the standout moments came when Arbeloa was asked about José Mourinho and growing speculation linking him with a return to Real Madrid.
“Mourinho is number one,” Arbeloa said. “He is and always will be one of us. If he is here next season, I would be very happy to see him back at home.”
The former Madrid defender, now coach, made clear he sees no ambiguity about his admiration for the Portuguese manager.
Respect for Sevilla and Luis García
Arbeloa also praised Sevilla and their manager Luis García ahead of the match at the Ramón Sánchez-Pizjuán.
“They are coming off three straight wins and doing very well,” he said. “He has turned Sevilla around.”
He also highlighted the challenge of playing in Seville.
“It is always a special atmosphere when Madrid play there. It is one of the best fan bases in Spain. It will be a tough battle again.”
Arbeloa reflects on his early coaching spell
Looking back on his brief coaching stint, Arbeloa said the experience has been formative.
“For me, these four months have been a great learning experience,” he said. “Being in front of you has been like a masterclass. I will leave with a clear conscience.”
He also reflected on his long connection to the club.
“I have spent 20 years at Real Madrid. This is my home.”
No crisis behind the scenes
Arbeloa rejected any suggestion of instability in the squad.
“I don’t understand the idea of an unmanageable dressing room,” he said. “I don’t agree with that.”
When asked what he regrets most, his answer was simple.
“What hurts most is not helping the players win trophies,” he said. “At this club, the demands are enormous and so are the expectations of so many people.”
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