The Portuguese coach emphasized that he possesses the ability to reject an offer to coach Real Madrid, while at the same time confirming his deep feelings of respect for the Spanish club he previously led.
These statements come on the eve of the first leg of the Champions League qualifying playoff, which will bring together Benfica and Real Madrid tomorrow, Tuesday. The Portuguese team seeks to enhance its chances of qualification after its recent victory over the Royal Club with a score of 4-2, which pushed Real Madrid away from direct qualification.
During the press conference, he said: “Can you say no to Florentino Perez to coach Real Madrid? Yes, I can do it, but my relationship with him is good, and he expressed his happiness at my return to a big club when I took over coaching Benfica.”
He added: “I gave my best for Real Madrid, and that’s why people respect me. I will remain a Real Madrid supporter forever. I am one of the few coaches who left the club without being dismissed, and when Perez left he told me I did the hard work and the easier work would come later, and therefore I was happy with all the Champions League titles the team achieved afterwards.”
Balancing the desire to compete with respect
Regarding his upcoming confrontation with Real Madrid, he said: “I want to eliminate Real Madrid from the Champions League, but I want them to win the Spanish league title, and I hope Alvaro Arbeloa remains the team’s coach for many years, as he is a true Real Madrid supporter.”
Real Madrid
Real Madrid is a professional football club based in Madrid, Spain, founded in 1902. It is one of the world’s most successful and widely supported clubs, renowned for its record number of European Cup/UEFA Champions League titles. The club’s history is deeply intertwined with Spanish culture and politics, having been granted royal patronage in 1920, which led to its “Real” (Royal) name.
Champions League
The UEFA Champions League is an annual club football competition organized by the Union of European Football Associations (UEFA). It was first introduced in the 1955–56 season as the European Champion Clubs’ Cup, evolving into its current format in 1992 to become one of the most prestigious tournaments in world sport.
Benfica
Benfica is a historic civil parish and former municipality in Lisbon, Portugal, best known globally as the home of Sport Lisboa e Benfica, one of the world’s most famous football clubs founded in 1904. The area’s name dates back to the Moorish occupation of the Iberian Peninsula, with “Benfica” likely derived from the Arabic for “son of the fig tree.”
Florentino Perez
Florentino Pérez is a Spanish businessman best known as the long-serving president of Real Madrid CF, one of the world’s most famous football clubs. His tenure, particularly through his “Galácticos” transfer strategy, has significantly shaped the club’s modern era and commercial success.
Alvaro Arbeloa
Álvaro Arbeloa is a retired Spanish professional footballer who played primarily as a right-back, most notably for Real Madrid and the Spanish national team. He was a key squad member during a highly successful era, winning the 2010 FIFA World Cup and the 2012 UEFA European Championship with Spain, along with multiple club trophies including the UEFA Champions League.
Spanish league
The Spanish league, officially known as La Liga, is the top professional football division in Spain, founded in 1929. It is globally renowned for featuring historic clubs like FC Barcelona and Real Madrid, whose intense rivalry has shaped much of its history and international prestige.
