Mourinho can’t surprise us - Arbeloa confident ahead of Benfica clash

Real Madrid coach Álvaro Arbeloa has expressed confidence ahead of his side’s UEFA Champions League Round of 16 playoff clash against SL Benfica.

The coach insisted he knows exactly what to expect from his former manager José Mourinho.

Arbeloa, who played under Mourinho during his time in Real Madrid’s first team, made the remarks during Monday’s pre-match press conference before the first leg at the Estádio da Luz.

When asked whether Mourinho’s tactical approach could catch him off guard, Arbeloa dismissed the idea.

“I don’t think José can surprise me because I know perfectly what he is capable of,” he said.

Arbeloa also underlined that his team is prepared for a demanding contest, regardless of the lineup Benfica deploys.

He said, “It doesn’t matter if Benfica showed up with the Youth League team; I knew the intensity Real Madrid would bring to the pitch. Obviously, tomorrow will be more of the same. I know they can even play better, and we have to be prepared for that.”