Real Madrid manager, Álvaro Arbeloa, has praised Jose Mourinho’s technical setup, amid growing reports that the Portuguese tactician is on the verge of a return to the Spanish giants.
According to the BBC, Mourinho is currently the leading candidate and the only coach Real Madrid are actively engaged with, as club president Florentino Pérez pushes to finalise a managerial appointment before the start of pre-season.
The Portuguese, who is presently in charge of Benfica, has declined to comment directly on the speculation surrounding his future, insisting he will only address it after his side complete their final match of the season.
Mourinho previously enjoyed a spell at the Santiago Bernabéu between 2010 and 2013, during which he guided Real Madrid to La Liga, the Copa del Rey and the Spanish Super Cup.
Speaking ahead of his final match against Athletic Bilbao on Saturday as Real Madrid coach before departing the club, Arbeloa confirmed he will step down after a trophyless campaign.
“Mou has a fantastic technical team, he’s got good people around him, if he comes to Madrid he will come with his team,” said Arbeloa.
“There’s no chance that I would be with him. Then, my future… from Monday I’ll think about that.”
Reflecting on his time at the club, Arbeloa, who represented Real Madrid as a player between 2009 and 2016 before moving into coaching within the youth setup, expressed hope that his exit would not be permanent.
“I hope it’s a see you later… I’ve always considered this my home, I’ve belonged to Madrid for 20 years in various roles,” said Arbeloa.
“It will be my last game this season as coach of Real Madrid, I don’t know if it will be the last game of my life as coach of Real Madrid.
“We never know. I’ll try and enjoy it and try to get the win.”
This season has also been marked by reports of dressing-room unrest and internal tensions involving senior players, increasing pressure on the club hierarchy to implement significant changes ahead of next term.
Real Madrid are reportedly viewing Mourinho as the leading option to restore discipline, authority and a winning mentality to a squad that has struggled for consistency both on and off the pitch this season.
