Jose Mourinho delivered a stunningly emotional tribute to Real Madrid boss Alvaro Arbeloa on Tuesday, describing the young coach as “one of my children” ahead of their seismic Champions League showdown at the Bernabéu.
The Benfica manager, who coached Arbeloa during his tumultuous three year reign in Madrid, moved to dismiss suggestions that recent comments questioning inexperienced managers at elite clubs were a dig at his former player. Instead, he painted a picture of deep personal affection.
“There is one problem, both Chivu and Arbeloa are my children, they are not just ex players of mine, but they are special,” Mourinho told a packed press conference. “Speaking about Alvaro… he is one of my favourites of them all. Obviously he is not the best player who has played for Real Madrid, but he is certainly one of the best men.”
Mourinho’s words came after Arbeloa, 43, was appointed as Xabi Alonso’s successor on an interim basis, a move some saw as a risk. The Portuguese legend, however, was adamant he would never undermine him. “The last thing I would do would be to put pressure on him. I want everything to go well for him, and for him to have a fantastic career.”
When asked if they had spoken since the appointment, Mourinho offered a classic, cryptic response. “My telephone number is very complicated… and with Alvaro it’s not necessary to have a call to say ‘good luck’, he knows it.” He admitted he couldn’t judge Arbeloa’s coaching yet, having not studied his work with Madrid’s youth teams, but emphasised that “the only thing that is important for me is that he is happy.”
Arbeloa, clearly moved, revealed he had listened to Mourinho’s press conference. “I was really proud to hear everything he said about me, emotional and happy,” the Madrid boss admitted. “Jose has been more than a coach for me… I consider him a great friend. I’m looking forward to seeing him tomorrow and giving him a big hug.”
The touching mutual admiration sets the stage for a high stakes tactical battle. Madrid can secure direct passage to the last 16 with a win, while Benfica’s hopes hang by a thread. For one night only, the focus will be as much on the embrace between mentor and protégé on the touchline as the action on the pitch. The student now faces his toughest test against the master who shaped him.
