Real Madrid coach Alvaro Arbeloa is unconcerned about speculation that Jose Mourinho is poised to succeed him at the end of the season.Arbeloa, who replaced Xabi Alonso in January, is seemingly unlikely to continue in his role beyond a disappointing and almost certainly trophy-less campaign for Los Blancos.Madrid are 11 points adrift of Barcelona, who will be crowned LaLiga champions if they beat Osasuna on Saturday and Arbeloas men fail to overcome Espanyol on Sunday.If both teams prevail, then Barca can win the title with a draw in the Clasico.Arbeloa brushes off Mourinho Real Madrid speculationReports have suggested Benfica boss Mourinho, who coached Madrid from 2010 to 2013 when Arbeloa was a player at the club, is president Florentino Perezs preferred candidate.But asked about those rumours, Arbeloa gave the questions short shrift.No, what worries me is tomorrows game, Arbeloa told his pre-match press conference.Thats what Im focused on, thinking about Real Madrid and the team. For me the future is tomorrow.I understand all the questions on this topic. But my only answer will always be the same. Thats what worries me, winning those three points.Arbeloa refused to directly address questions about a reported row with Dani Ceballos.I wont get into public debates about situations that I have with my players, Arbeloa said.When I first came into the Real Madrid first team dressing room over 20 years ago, the first thing I learnt from the experienced players is that what happens in the Real Madrid dressing room stays there. Ive carried that with me for over 20 years.Denying that he had been disappointed with his players mentality since taking over, Arbeloa added: With the majority, weve had an honest relationship. Weve spoken a lot in private about everything that needed to be sorted out between us, and thats how it should be done. While Im in this chair, Ill always defend them.But Arbeloa conceded Madrid will need to show a different mindset if they are to contend for trophies again going forward, with an inconsistency in league results derailing their challenge. Barca and Madrid have each lost five times in the league, but the Blaugrana have won 28 games to Madrids 23. Hansi Flicks side have drawn just once, while Madrid have been held five times.Its true that the results are far from whatReal Madridshould be, said Arbeloa. Nowadays, you dont win by just getting off the bus, but its clear that the difference in level between Real Madrid players and the teams we face is only on paper. We have to improve a lot, as I always say, on a collective level. Nowadays, I believe that even with the talent we have, its not enough to just put the ball on the ground and play individually. I think we need a collective idea, a plan, a structure, patterns, and movements. To know what the team-mate will do, how we want to unbalance the opponent. All of this, evidently, requires perhaps a different mentality from what weve had, and weve paid for it with points. Topics LaLiga Real Madrid CF Add us as a preferred source on Google If you enjoy reading this article, you can help support our independent football journalism by adding 101 Great Goals as a preferred source You Should Also Read Real Madrid defender set to miss Clasico after club confirm fracture Nicholas McGee 2nd May, 2026 Espanyol v Real Madrid: Preview, stats and where to watch as Los Blancos aim to keep title race alive Nicholas McGee 1st May, 2026 Jose Mourinho to Real Madrid: Benfica boss opens up on his future plans as Bernabeu rumours continue Jon Fisher 29th April, 2026 Real Madrid may be without Kylian Mbappe for Clasico clash with Barcelona Jon Fisher 27th April, 2026 Bayern CEO gives updates on Harry Kane and Michael Olise and it is bad news for Barcelona and Real Madrid Jon Fisher 27th April, 2026 European round-up: Inter miss chance to all but seal Scudetto with Torino collapse Nicholas McGee 26th April, 2026
