Arbeloa: Mourinho "Always Will Be One of Us"

Real Madrid boss Alvaro Arbeloa has hailed Jose Mourinho as "one of us" ahead of facing his former manager in the Champions League on Wednesday. Madrid travel to face Mourinho’s Benfica at the Estadio da Luz.

A win would secure Madrid a top-eight finish and automatic last-16 qualification. Benfica, sitting 29th in the 36-team standings, must win to keep their playoff hopes alive.

Arbeloa made 121 appearances under Mourinho during their successful spell together at Madrid, winning LaLiga, the Copa del Rey, and the Supercopa de Espana. Now leading Los Blancos, the 43-year-old described Mourinho as a role model.

"I said it on my first day: there will never be anyone like Jose," Arbeloa stated. "Anyone who tries to imitate him will fail. My success will be being myself."

Since replacing another Mourinho alumnus, Xabi Alonso, earlier this month, Arbeloa has guided Madrid to three consecutive victories after an initial Copa del Rey exit.

While admitting he stays in touch with Mourinho, Arbeloa joked about respecting the Portuguese coach’s privacy. "I know what his phone must be like—you can understand why he changes his number so often," he said. "But he’s the kind of friend who would answer even at 3 a.m."

Wednesday’s match marks Mourinho’s sixth attempt to secure his first win against Madrid (D1 L4)—the club he has faced most without ever defeating.

The fixture also returns Madrid to the stadium where they claimed their 10th European crown in 2014, a triumph built on foundations laid during Mourinho’s tenure.

"Mourinho laid the groundwork for those successful years," Arbeloa reflected. "That’s why he was, is, and always will be one of us."