Real Madrid coach Álvaro Arbeloa has opened the door for a potential return of José Mourinho, declaring the Portuguese tactician "will always be one of us" at the Santiago Bernabéu. Speaking ahead of Sunday's La Liga clash with Sevilla, Arbeloa said he would be "very happy" to welcome Mourinho "back home" if reports of a second spell prove true.
Speculation has been swirling this week that Mourinho—currently at Benfica since 2025—is close to agreeing a return to the club he managed between 2010 and 2013. During his first stint, he delivered a La Liga title in 2012 and a Copa del Rey in 2011, etching his name into Madrid's modern history.
Arbeloa, who took over from Xabi Alonso in January, has endured a turbulent campaign. Madrid were knocked out of the Champions League at the quarter-finals, and their Spanish title hopes ended last weekend with a defeat to champions Barcelona. Though they bounced back with a win over Oviedo on Thursday, Los Blancos have managed just three wins in their last nine matches since the start of April.
When asked if Mourinho could solve the dressing-room tensions that have plagued the season, Arbeloa pushed back on the narrative of an "unmanageable" squad. "I don't really understand that idea, or at least I don't share it," he told a news conference on Saturday. "It's not something that defines the Real Madrid dressing room."
He continued with heartfelt praise for his former boss: "Regarding Mourinho, I think I've been very clear throughout my life about what I think of him. For me, as his player, but above all as a Madridista, I feel and believe he is number one. Jose has been, is, and will always be uno di noi—one of us. If he is the one here next season, I will be very happy to see him back home."
Madrid's immediate focus, however, is on Sunday's trip to Sevilla. The Andalusian side have eased their relegation fears with three straight league wins, moving four points clear of the drop zone. Akor Adams scored the winner in Wednesday's 3-2 victory over Villarreal, taking his league tally to 10 goals. Sevilla head coach Luis García Plaza admitted his team is still in "survival mode," setting the stage for a tense encounter at the Ramón Sánchez Pizjuán.