Real Madrid coach Alvaro Arbeloa has avoided discussing a possible return of Jose Mourinho to the Bernabeu as his coach, rather than as Benfica coach, next week.
Mourinho is one of the names being mentioned as a possible replacement for Arbeloa if things don't go according to plan.
Before the match against Real Sociedad this weekend, Arbeloa had revealed that he enjoys having personal conversations with players on the grey sofa in his office.
He was asked if he would invite his former coach for a chat in Madrid before the return leg.
"No… well… if I invite him, it will be for lunch. He doesn't need to sit there. You know we are good friends, we wish each other the best and we have a very good relationship."
Before Arbeloa's press conference, Mourinho distanced himself from the idea of taking his place in the summer, despite a clause that allows him to leave before the end of his contract with Benfica.
"As I just said, I can only say that I always wish the best for Jose. My goal is to eliminate Benfica, of course, and then for him to win everything. From there, I wish him all the best," he said.
Benfica had defeated Real Madrid in the final match of the Champions League group stage, winning 4-2 in Lisbon.
Mourinho said he would throw in the notes from the first game, but Arbeloa insisted he wouldn't be surprised by his former mentor.
"I don't think I can be surprised; I know very well what they are capable of. I said it doesn't matter if they show up with their youth team, because the intensity will be maximum. Tomorrow it will be the same. They can play even better and we have to be ready. We all have to be clear about who we are facing," he added.
Despite facing Real Madrid twice since leaving the club, Mourinho has yet to return to the Bernabeu as an opposing coach.
"He will be received with a big ovation, because Real Madrid fans know everything he has done for the club. I'm sure he will be very welcome," he added.
Meanwhile, Kylian Mbappe is expected to be ready for the clash with Benfica after missing against Real Sociedad.
"He's here, he came with us. He'll train and... tomorrow you'll see if he plays or not," Arbeloa said.
Los Blancos will be without Raul Asencio and Brahim Diaz due to suspension, while Eder Militao and Jude Bellingham remain injured.
Antonio Rudiger and Dean Huijsen are expected to play in central defense, with Trent Alexander-Arnold on the right wing of defense./Express newspaper/
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