Alvaro Arbeloa calls Jose Mourinho 'No. 1' coach in world, quells tensions at Real Madrid after Kylian Mbappe 'fourth-choice' claim

React to this story

Alvaro Arbeloa called Jose Mourinho "world class" and "No. 1" with reports suggesting that the Portuguese could replace the Spaniard as Real Madrid manager in the summer.

'Jose is number one' - Arbeloa backs Mourinho's Real Madrid return

Video credit: SNTV

It is being widely reported that Mourinho will return to the Bernabeu this summer, 13 years after his first spell with Madrid ended, as club president Florentino Perez seeks to end two straight years without a major trophy.

And Arbeloa, who was coached by Mourinho during his time at Madrid, admitted that the 63-year-old is a club legend in his eyes.

"Regarding Jose [Mourinho], I’ve always been very clear about how I feel," Arbeloa, who replaced Xabi Alonso as manager earlier this year, told reporters.

La Liga

Vinicius signs new six-year contract with Real Madrid in Arsenal blow

Yesterday at 19:41

"For me, both as his former player and especially as a Madridista, he is world class, he’s No. 1.

"A colleague of yours asked me a few days ago if I still felt the same way before we faced him in the Champions League, and I do. Jose has been, is, and always will be 'uno di noi' [one of us].

"If he happens to be the one taking over here next season, I will be absolutely delighted to welcome him back home."

Mourinho won La Liga, the Copa del Rey, and the Spanish Super Cup during his time in charge of Madrid from 2010-13.

He is currently the manager at Benfica, with the Portuguese side unbeaten in the league this season, but sitting third in the table and outside the UEFA Champions League qualification spots with one game remaining.

Mbappe optics 'terrible' as Real Madrid suffer 'worst week in living memory'

Video credit: TNT Sports

'I just saw him and told him to stay calm'

Arbeloa has enjoyed a turbulent few months as Madrid manager.

On the field, his side were knocked out the Champions League at the quarter-final stage by Bayern Munich and lost to Barcelona in last weekend's El Clasico to hand their bitter rivals the league title.

And away from the pitch, there has been plenty for Arbeloa to try to sort out.

Federico Valverde and Aurelien Tchouameni allegedly came to blows in a training session, with Valverde needing to go to the hospital as a result, and Kylian Mbappe has been criticised for his off-the-field behaviour.

A petition to remove the Frenchman from the club was a culmination of ill-feeling from supporters, whose jeers rang out when Mbappe replaced goalscorer Gonzalo Garcia in the 69th minute of Los Blancos' 2-0 win over Real Oviedo on Wednesday.

Mbappe further stoked tensions when he claimed afterwards that Arbeloa had told him he was the side's "fourth-choice forward".

"I didn't play because the coach [Arbeloa] told me I'm the fourth-choice forward in the squad behind [Franco] Mastantuono, Vinicius [Junior] and Gonzalo [Garcia]. I accept it and play the time I'm given. I think I played well," Mbappe said.

"I was ready to start. I'm not angry with the manager. You always have to respect a coach's decision. I'll work hard to get back into the starting line-up."

Immediately after the victory, Arbeloa denied telling Mbappe he was fourth in his attacking pecking order, and on Saturday, he tried to quell any tension between himself and the 27-year-old.

"I just saw [Mbappe] him and told him to stay calm, that I would handle it," Arbeloa said. "I understand that a lot of this seems like big news to you guys, but everything Kylian said in the mixed zone is something he and I had already discussed beforehand.

"I know what it's like to see less playing time, and I know what it's like not to play at all. I understand the players and how they feel when they are left out. I completely get it.

'We understand the frustration and disenchantment' - Arbeloa on Real Madrid fans' anger

Video credit: SNTV

"I know Kylian wasn't happy the other day, and honestly, I like that. I prefer it that way. I wouldn't understand it if a player like Kylian Mbappé didn't want to play for his team, for Real Madrid, even in a situation like this."

Despite all the turmoil that has surrounded Arbeloa's recent time in the job, he stressed that he was grateful for the opportunity.

"These past four months have been an incredible experience, an immense personal and professional learning curve. Defending this badge and facing the media here every day has brought tremendous growth," he said.

"It has felt like completing a master's degree. When this chapter comes to an end, beyond the personal growth, I will leave with a completely clear conscience."

Add TNT Sports as a preferred source here to enjoy more content like this.

Stream the Premier League, men’s and women’s FA Cups, UEFA Champions League, UEFA Europa League, UEFA Conference League and more live on TNT Sports and HBO Max.

Transfers

Rodri favours Barcelona over Real, Atleti readying Romero bid - Euro Transfer News

Yesterday at 17:14

Transfers

'Childhood dream come true' - Real reach Diomande agreement with RB Leipzig

Yesterday at 17:02