Álvaro Arbeloa has spoken warmly of José Mourinho's technical staff as the Portuguese coach edges closer to a return to Real Madrid, with Arbeloa himself preparing to leave his role at the end of a trophyless campaign.

According to the BBC, Mourinho is the clear frontrunner to take over at the Bernabéu, with club president Florentino Pérez pushing to have a new manager in place before pre-season begins. Mourinho, currently in charge of Benfica, declined to comment on his future until after his side's final league fixture.

Arbeloa on Mourinho's setup

Speaking ahead of his last match as Real Madrid coach — a clash against Athletic Bilbao on Saturday — Arbeloa offered a candid assessment of what a Mourinho appointment would look like.