Real Madrid boss Alvaro Arbeloa dismisses Kylian Mbappe’s Mourinho post
Real Madrid manager Alvaro Arbeloa has dismissed speculation surrounding his future after Kylian Mbappe engaged with a social media post linking Jose Mourinho to the club.
Pressure is mounting on the current head coach with Los Blancos sitting nine points behind leaders Barcelona in La Liga.
The Spanish giants face a trophyless campaign after being eliminated from all domestic and European cup competitions.
Speculation regarding a managerial change intensified when their star French forward liked a post highlighting Mourinho’s formidable win rate during his previous spell at the Bernabeu.
Focus remains on the pitch
Speaking ahead of Friday’s league fixture against Real Betis, the former defender insisted he pays no attention to online activities.
“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.”
The reference to the American actress amusingly echoes Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola, who named Roberts as one of his three idols in 2023.
Mourinho’s Bernabeu legacy
Club president Florentino Perez is reportedly assessing his options ahead of the summer break.
The current Benfica manager previously led the Spanish heavyweights between 2010 and 2013, famously securing a record-breaking 100-point league title.
When pressed on his own long-term prospects in the dugout, Arbeloa quickly redirected attention to the immediate fixture list.
“My responsibility is to win every game, that’s how I see it and that’s what I ask of the players.”
“We have to be professional and respectful of the badge. My role isn’t to motivate Real Madrid players.”
“They already set the highest standards for themselves, so my job is to prepare them for what they’ll face on the pitch.”
Gruelling run-in awaits
Real Madrid now embark on a challenging sequence of three consecutive away matches.
This difficult run culminates in a crucial El Clasico showdown against Barcelona on 10 May.
With only six games remaining to salvage some pride, maximum professionalism is required to navigate the final stretch of a deeply frustrating season.
