I will be delighted if Mourinho replaces me –Arbeloa

Real Madrid coach, Álvaro Arbeloa, has publicly given his blessing for José Mourinho to replace him as coach of Real Madrid.

Arbeloa has been in charge since January 2026 following the departure of Xabi Alonso, but faced a period without trophies, leading to pressure and a likely return to an academy role.

Reports indicate that Mourinho is President Florentino Pérez’s preferred candidate to restore order at the Bernabeu.

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Speaking to reporters, Arbeloa expressed his support for Mourinho amid intense speculation, calling him “the number one.”

“For me, as a former (Madrid) player and as a Real Madrid player, José Mourinho is number one. He is one of ours,” Arbeloa told reporters.

“If he comes back next year, I will be very happy to see him home.”