"The question I was asked was whether it surprised me that [Luciano] Spalletti was coaching Juventus. And my answer was in relation to a very objective question: whether Spalletti had the qualifications to coach Juve. That was the question, and the answer is in defence of Spalletti. Obviously, it doesn't surprise me that Spalletti is coaching Juve, or that coaches with impressive resumes are coaching top clubs."
"The Italians have used it to talk about [Inter boss Cristian] Chivu, and you Spaniards have used it to talk about Arbeloa. But it's simply a matter of both Chivu and Arbeloa being my boys. They're not just former players of mine, but special former players. Speaking of Alvaro, from a human perspective, in terms of personal relationships and empathy, he's one of my all-time favourite players."
Jose Mourinho accused the media of twisting his words and defended Alvaro Arbeloa as one of his boys, backing him to succeed. Mourinho clarified that his original question concerned whether Luciano Spalletti had the qualifications to coach Juventus and said surprise arises only when coaches without track records take big jobs. He cited Cristian Chivu and Arbeloa as former players who are special to him, emphasising personal relationships and empathy. Benfica must take three points against Real Madrid to retain a chance of qualifying for the Champions League knockout-stage play-offs.
Read at Soccer News
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