A social media interaction by Kylian Mbappe has added to growing speculation over who will manage Real Madrid next season.
The club is on course to finish the campaign without a trophy. They have been eliminated from all cup competitions and trail leaders Barcelona by nine points with six matches remaining in La Liga. Pressure has increased on head coach Alvaro Arbeloa amid uncertainty about his future.
Club president Florentino Perez is expected to review managerial options at the end of the season. Former manager Jose Mourinho, now in charge of Benfica, has been linked with a possible return.
Mourinho previously led Madrid between 2010 and 2013, winning the league with a record 100-point tally, as well as the Copa del Rey and Spanish Super Cup.
Speculation intensified after Mbappe liked a social media post highlighting Mourinho’s previous win rate and his impact on Cristiano Ronaldo during his time at the club.
Ahead of Friday’s match against Real Betis, Arbeloa dismissed the significance of the online activity.
“These are things I don’t even consider,” he said. “It doesn’t bother me if he gives a like to Mourinho, Julia Roberts or anyone else. It has no importance.”
The reference to Roberts echoes comments made in 2023 by Pep Guardiola, who said she was one of his three idols alongside Michael Jordan and Tiger Woods while managing Manchester City.
Arbeloa said his focus remains on results.
“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,” he noted.
“My role isn’t to motivate Real Madrid players. They already set the highest standards for themselves. My job is to prepare them for what they’ll face on the pitch.”
Madrid face three consecutive away fixtures, including a trip to Barcelona on 10 May, before ending the season with two home matches and one additional away game.
