Arbeloa gives his blessing for Mourinho to return to Real Madrid

TL;DR

Álvaro Arbeloa has expressed support for José Mourinho's potential return to Real Madrid as speculation grows about a coaching change. Mourinho, who previously managed the team from 2010 to 2013, is seen as a leading candidate to replace Arbeloa, who is currently in charge on an interim basis.

Key points

Álvaro Arbeloa supports José Mourinho's return to Real Madrid
Mourinho previously managed Real Madrid from 2010 to 2013
Real Madrid is currently struggling and has no major titles this season

Mentioned in this story

Álvaro ArbeloaJosé Mourinho

Real MadridBarcelonaBenficaInter Milan

BARCELONA, Spain (AP) — Real Madrid’s Álvaro Arbeloa gave his blessing to former boss José Mourinho on Saturday amid intense speculation that the Portuguese coach is set to replace him and start a second stint at the European powerhouse. Speaking like a coach who knows his days are numbered, Arbeloa told reporters in Madrid on Saturday that “if he (Mourinho) is the one who is here next season, I will be happy to see him back home.” Arbeloa played for Madrid when Mourinho was in charge from 2010-2013, a tumultuous time in which Madrid won Spanish league and Copa del Rey titles but was overshadowed by Pep Guardiola’s great Barcelona side. Mourinho's abrasive attitude to opponents like Guardiola as well as some of his own players turned off many in Spain. He also had his faithful backers, like Arbeloa and some hardcore fans. The Madrid sports papers are rife with rumors that Mourinho is the leading candidate to replace Arbeloa, who was always seen as an interim coach after he was promoted from the club’s reserve team midseason to fill in for the fired Xabi Alonso. Second-place Madrid has two more Spanish league games to play this campaign, which it will finish without a major title. It visits Sevilla on Sunday and concludes the season at home against Athletic Bilbao on May 23. The 15-time European Cup winners have been embarrassed in recent weeks by series of unseemly events. There was a fight between players, and a loss at Barcelona that allowed its fierce rival to clinch the league title. Kylian Mbappé was also jeered by fans, while the star striker called out Arbeloa publicly for not playing him more. Club president Florentino Pérez added to the sense of a club in crisis by giving a press conference to announce he would call early elections, which he is expected to win, while for what he considered a campaign to force him to quit. Pérez is expected to make a coaching change soon, and it is understandable that he believes Mourinho’s strong personality is what the squad needs. Mourinho, who led Porto and to Champions League titles in 2004 and 2010, is finishing his season with Benfica this weekend. The 63-year-old coach said on Friday that he had received an offer from the Lisbon-based club to continue, but that he will decide his future in the coming days. When asked what he thought about Mourinho’s possible return, Arbeloa reiterated similar praise he has lavished on Mourinho on other occasions. “For me as a player, and above all as a Madrid supporter, I feel and think that he is the number one,” Arbeloa said. \\_ AP soccer:

Q&A

Why is José Mourinho considered to replace Álvaro Arbeloa at Real Madrid?

José Mourinho is viewed as a leading candidate to replace Álvaro Arbeloa due to ongoing speculation about a coaching change amid the club's recent struggles.

What did Álvaro Arbeloa say about Mourinho's potential return?

Álvaro Arbeloa stated he would be happy to see Mourinho back at Real Madrid, calling him 'the number one' as a player and supporter.

What challenges has Real Madrid faced recently under Arbeloa's management?

Real Madrid has faced several challenges, including player conflicts, a loss to Barcelona, and finishing the season without a major title.