Coach insists focus in on strong end to the season rather than speculation over his future
Alvaro Arbeloa is unmoved by speculation linking Jose Mourinho with his job at Real Madrid. Reports this week suggested Mourinho, who is currently at Benfica, is a preferred candidate of club president Florentino Perez to take over this summer.
Other options, including Mauricio Pochettino, are also under consideration.
Madrid are 11 points behind Barcelona with five games remaining in La Liga, leaving their rivals close to sealing consecutive league titles under Hansi Flick.
Pressure has grown on Arbeloa following elimination from the Champions League at the hands of Bayern Munich and a run of poor domestic results that means Madrid will finish without silverware for the second season in a row.
“No, what worries me is tomorrow’s game,” Arbeloa said when asked whether reports linking Mourinho to his job was a concern for him. Madrid face Espanyol at the RCDE Stadium in Catalonia on Sunday. “That’s what I’m 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. That’s what worries me, winning those three points.”
Arbeloa also rejected suggestions he has been disappointed with his squad’s attitude since replacing Xabi Alonso in January.
“With the majority, we’ve had an honest relationship,” Arbeloa said. “We’ve spoken a lot in private about everything that needed to be sorted out between us, and that’s how it should be done. While I’m in this chair, I’ll always defend them.”
