Jose Mourinho publicly backs former Real Madrid player Alvaro Arbeloa ahead of Benfica vs Real in the Champions League; Mourinho’s support could ease pressure on the rookie coach. Betting angle: Real Madrid look the safer qualification bet — consider backing Real to seal last-16 qualification or Madrid on Asian handicap, while Benfica remain a long-shot that must win to stay alive.
Mourinho Praises Arbeloa as “Special” Ahead of Champions League Showdown
Jose Mourinho has described Alvaro Arbeloa as “one of my favourites” and “special” as the pair prepare to meet in the Champions League, with Arbeloa now the head coach of Real Madrid. Mourinho stressed their long-standing bond from his time managing Los Blancos and insisted his earlier remarks were not intended as criticism.
From Player to Coach: A Personal Endorsement
Mourinho reflected on his relationship with Arbeloa, saying the former defender is “not the best player who has played for Real Madrid, but he is certainly one of the best men who has played for me at Real Madrid.” He framed Arbeloa — and another recent appointment referenced in conversation — as like children to him, underlining a personal affinity rather than professional judgement.
No Needle, Just Support
Addressing suggestions that his comments were a dig at inexperienced managers, Mourinho denied any intent to unsettle Arbeloa. “The last thing I would do would be to put pressure on him,” he said, adding that he wants Arbeloa to have “a fantastic career as a coach.” Mourinho also noted he had not been in direct contact since Arbeloa’s appointment, but felt no call was necessary to wish him well.
On Assessing Arbeloa’s Coaching Ability
Mourinho admitted he could not properly evaluate Arbeloa’s coaching so far, having only seen results rather than followed Madrid’s youth or reserve teams closely. “I cannot analyse him as a coach because I do not know him,” he said, emphasizing that coaching today is a difficult mission and that his primary hope is that Arbeloa is happy in the role.
Competition Context and Betting Implications
Real Madrid can secure qualification to the Champions League last 16 with a victory in this fixture.
Benfica, by contrast, must win and rely on other results to advance. Mourinho’s public support could reduce pressure on Arbeloa and stabilise Madrid’s setup in the short term.
For punters, that points to Real Madrid as the more reliable bet to progress — consider backing Madrid to qualify outright or using an Asian handicap if seeking extra value.
Laurens' weekend preview: Can Carrick stop Arsenal? Arbeloa faces another test, more
Benfica coach Jose Mourinho said his Real Madrid counterpart Alvaro Arbeloa was like a child to him ahead of their Champions League battle on Wednesday. "In the same way that I (want Real Madrid to win games), Alvaro wants to beat Benfica but then after that, he hopes Benfica always win, that's for sure -- no call is necessary."
Yahoo! News
