Real Madrid manager Alvaro Arbeloa has insisted he is not concerned after Kylian Mbappe liked an Instagram post that appeared to endorse a potential return for Jose Mourinho. Arbeloa, 43, has been in charge since January, but it remains unclear whether the Spanish giants will retain him for next season or if he will return to his role within the club's academy.
Champions League Exit Fuels Speculation
Speculation that Real Madrid are planning to replace Arbeloa has intensified in recent days following their Champions League quarter-final exit at the hands of Bayern Munich. Mourinho, who left the Bernabeu 13 years ago, is increasingly being linked with a sensational return to the club.
Mourinho's Benfica Future Uncertain
Although under contract with Benfica until June 2027, the former Chelsea, Manchester United, and Tottenham manager recently cast doubt over his future in Lisbon. Mbappe added fuel to the fire by liking an Instagram post suggesting that Mourinho should be a contender for the Real Madrid job. The post highlighted the 63-year-old's win record during his three-year spell in Madrid and his impact on Cristiano Ronaldo.
Asked about Mbappe's social media activity, Arbeloa brushed it off, stating: “These are things I don't even consider. It doesn't bother me if he gives a like to Mourinho, Julia Roberts or anyone else. It has no importance.”
La Liga Title Race
Real Madrid have six games left in La Liga and trail arch rivals Barcelona by nine points. A win on Friday away to Real Betis would put pressure on Barcelona to restore their healthy lead when they visit Getafe on Saturday. Real will be hoping the title race is still alive when they play Barcelona at Camp Nou on Sunday, May 10. Real won the first Clasico earlier this season before losing the second—the Spanish Super Cup final—which ultimately cost Xabi Alonso his job.
Mourinho's Future
As for Mourinho's future, he was asked on Saturday whether he could guarantee he will still be at Benfica next season. “I cannot say, how can I say such a thing? It doesn't just depend on me! It's obvious,” Mourinho replied before flipping the question. “A coach in a club structure, a coach, a player, a press director, a physiotherapist, all of us in a club structure, like you, as a journalist from A BOLA, you cannot guarantee that you will be at BOLA for the next 10 years; maybe you want to be, but you cannot guarantee it. Obviously, I cannot guarantee it.”
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