Arbeloa Admits Copying  Mourinho At Madrid Would Bring Failure

New Real Madrid head coach Alvaro Arbeloa has admitted replicating the managerial style of his former boss Jose Mourinho would lead to failure in his new job.

Arbeloa was announced as Real Madrid’s new coach just hours after Xabi Alonso was sacked.

Alonso was asked to vacate his role as the club head coach hours after Madrid lost to Barcelona in the final of the Supercopa de Espana.

Rather than wait for a more experience manager, Madrid have turned to Arbeloa for the time being, with the former right-back making the step up after six years working with the club’s youth sides and B team.

Alvaro Arbeloa, the new Head Coach of Real Madrid, looks on during a Training Session. (Photo by Denis Doyle/Getty Images)

Speaking at his first press conference on Tuesday, Arbeloa dismissed comparisons between his and the ‘Special One’s coaching styles, insisting he wants to follow his own path instead.

“I haven’t spoken to him [Mourinho]. For me, it was a privilege to be coached by him, someone who had a great influence on me. I’m going to be like Arbeloa; I’m not afraid of failure, but if I tried to be like Mourinho, I would fail spectacularly.

“I’ve had many coaches. They were very important in my career, a great influence. You have your own way of being and you take the best from each one. Many are legends, they’ve won everything in football. I hope I do half as well as many of them.”

Alvaro Arbeloa rounded by his players during Real Madrid training session. (Photo by Alberto Gardin/Eurasia Sport Images/Getty Images)

Arbeloa played alongside Alonso for Real Madrid, Liverpool and the Spanish national team. He admitted to reaching out to the ex-midfielder after Monday’s announcement.

“After I found out the decision of the club and Xabi to reach a mutual agreement to part ways, you all know the relationship I have with Xabi, which is very close. Of course I spoke with him afterwards,” Arbeloa said.

“Obviously what I discussed with Xabi will remain between us. I have a lot of enthusiasm to start my first game, when we will play with everything on the line. I’m excited to have a squad of a lot of quality on my hands. And a lot of excitement. Nothing got in the way of our relationship in any way. He wished me all the best, just as I would wish him the same. We have a friendship that transcends everything. He wished me all the best. He’s going to do very well, and we’ll always be together.”

Arbeloa played 237 games for Real Madrid during his career, including a three-season spell when Mourinho was manager from 2010 to 2013.

He will take charge of Real Madrid for the first time on Wednesday when they face Albacete away from home in the Copa del Rey.