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| He’s One of My Boys – Mourinho Fires Back at Media Ahead of Emotional Madrid Reunion. |
If there’s one thing Jose Mourinho never runs out of, it’s opinions—and this time, he’s making sure everyone gets the message loud and clear.
Ahead of Benfica’s crucial Champions League clash against Real Madrid, Mourinho found himself back in the headlines. Not because of tactics or mind games, but because of his strong defense of former player Alvaro Arbeloa, now part of the Madrid setup and about to face his old mentor.
Benfica will host the Spanish giants on Wednesday in a must-win game. Sitting 29th in the standings, the Portuguese side need all three points to keep their knockout-stage hopes alive. The stakes are high, the pressure is real—and the reunion storyline just adds more spice.
Last week, Mourinho stirred controversy after comments that were widely interpreted as a dig at big European clubs hiring coaches with little experience. The media quickly linked those remarks to names like Arbeloa and Inter boss Cristian Chivu. Mourinho, however, says that narrative is way off.
“You journalists are very good at pushing things in the direction that suits you,” Mourinho said with a smile that said it all.
He explained that the original question was about whether Luciano Spalletti had the credentials to coach Juventus—and his answer was actually meant to defend Spalletti.
“Of course it doesn’t surprise me when top coaches lead big clubs,” Mourinho said. “What surprises me sometimes is when a coach with no track record gets a huge job. I think that’s a normal thought.”
But when those comments were twisted to involve Arbeloa, Mourinho didn’t hold back.
“Arbeloa and Chivu? They’re my boys,” he said firmly. “Not just former players—special former players.”
Mourinho went on to speak warmly about Arbeloa, praising him not just as a footballer, but as a person.
“From a human point of view—relationships, empathy—Alvaro is one of my favorite players ever,” he admitted.
“He wasn’t the best player I coached at Real Madrid, but he’s definitely one of the best in terms of character.”
The Portuguese coach also made it clear he has no intention of putting pressure on his former right-back.
“I just hope Alvaro does really well and has a fantastic coaching career,” he said.
Arbeloa, meanwhile, took over from another Mourinho favorite: Xabi Alonso. Alonso’s stint at Madrid was short, lasting just seven months, but Mourinho remains fully confident in his future.
“Xabi is another one of my boys,” Mourinho said. “Only good memories.”
Despite Alonso’s quick exit from Madrid, Mourinho believes his coaching journey is far from over.
“What he did at Leverkusen was a joy to watch,” he said. “What happened at Madrid—how it ended, why it ended—it honestly doesn’t interest me. In football, anything can happen.”
One thing Mourinho is sure about?
“Xabi has already shown the level he can reach as a coach. I’m confident his career will take him in a great direction—and that he’ll be happy doing what he loves.”
As Benfica prepare to face Real Madrid, this isn’t just another Champions League night. It’s a clash filled with memories, emotions, and a familiar Mourinho reminder: once you’re his player, you’re always one of his boys.
