José Mourinho is set for an emotional Champions League reunion as Benfica prepare to face Real Madrid, and the Special One is already stirring the narrative with his trademark honesty as reported by fabrizo romano via their official x handle.
Speaking ahead of the playoff clash, Mourinho admitted he would “very much like to eliminate Madrid” from the competition not out of bitterness, but pure competitive fire. The Benfica boss made it clear that once the whistle blows, sentiment disappears and only winning matters.
Still, his affection for Real Madrid runs deep, especially for current Madrid head coach Álvaro Arbeloa. Mourinho couldn’t hide his pride in seeing his former player now in charge at the Bernabéu.
“I really want Madrid to win La Liga, and I want Arbeloa to stay as their coach for many years,” Mourinho said. “He is a real Madridista. He’s my boy and one of the best men I’ve ever coached.”
It’s a rare mix of rivalry and respect Mourinho wants to knock Madrid out of Europe, but hopes they thrive domestically under a coach he deeply admires.
The Portuguese manager also shut down any talk of a dramatic return to Real Madrid, insisting there are “zero options” of that happening as he remains fully committed to his Benfica project. However, whispers continue that the Portuguese FA could look to him as a future national team boss after the 2026 World Cup.
Away from the Madrid reunion, Mourinho also touched on his strong bond with African players, praising their loyalty and mentality a connection built during his time with legends like Drogba, Essien, and Eto’o.
Softfootball reported As Benfica and Madrid prepare for battle, Mourinho once again proves that football rivalries can be fierce on the pitch and deeply respectful off it.