Mourinho will always be one of us at Real Madrid, says coach Arbeloa

FILE PHOTO - Real Madird Coach Alvaro Arbeloa speaks during the team's press conference ahead of the UEFA Champions League quarterfinal second leg soccer match between Bayern Munich and Real Madird at the Allianz Arena. Sven Hoppe/dpa

Real Madrid boss Alvaro Arbeloa said he would be “very happy” to see Jose Mourinho “back home” if he did return to the club.

Reports this week have suggested that the Portuguese is close to agreeing a second spell as head coach.

Mourinho has been in charge of Benfica since 2025 and previously managed Real between 2010 and 2013, winning the La Liga title in 2012 and Copa del Rey the season before.

Arbeloa took over from Xabi Alonso in January and a turbulent season has seen Madrid knocked out of the Champions League at the quarter-final stage, as well as having numerous issues to contend with among the playing squad.

Real’s Spanish title hopes ended last weekend with defeat to Barcelona, who were confirmed as champions, and although they bounced back with a win over Oviedo on Thursday, Los Blancos have still only recorded three wins in their last nine games dating back to the start of April.

Asked if Mourinho is the solution to Real’s dressing-room infighting, Arbeloa told a news conference on Saturday: “I don’t really understand the idea of an unmanageable dressing room, or at least I don’t share it.

“It’s not something that defines the Real Madrid dressing room. The day the club makes a decision regarding next season’s coach is something they will announce when they see fit.

“Regarding Mourinho, I think I’ve been very clear throughout my life about what I think of him.