Real Madrid head coach Alvaro Arbeloa has dismissed speculation around Kylian Mbappe's social media activity, stating he is unconcerned if the star striker liked a post about former boss Jose Mourinho.
With Real Madrid trailing Barcelona by nine points in La Liga and out of all cup competitions, pressure is mounting on Arbeloa, who took over in January 2026. Mourinho, currently at Benfica, has been linked with a return to the Santiago Bernabeu, and rumors intensified when Mbappe liked an Instagram post highlighting Mourinho's past success at the club.
Asked about the incident ahead of Friday's match against Real Betis, Arbeloa played down its importance. "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 drew a smile, recalling Pep Guardiola's 2023 admission that she was one of his idols. But Arbeloa quickly shifted focus to the task at hand.
"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 said. "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."
Real Madrid now face three consecutive away matches, culminating in a trip to Barcelona on 10 May, before finishing the season with three home games.