Will Arbeloa follow José Mourinho’s path at Real Madrid? The new coach gives a blunt answer

Real Madrid’s new boss outlines his own path at the Bernabéu

Will Arbeloa follow José Mourinho’s path at Real Madrid? The new coach gives a blunt answer

New Real Madrid head coach Álvaro Arbeloa has made it clear that he will not attempt to imitate José Mourinho insisting he will lead the club in his own way after replacing Xabi Alonso.

The 42 year old was appointed on Monday following Real Madrid’s 3 - 2 defeat to Barcelona in the Spanish Super Cup final.

Given his close relationship with Mourinho during his playing days at the club, comparisons quickly followed. Arbeloa addressed them directly in his first press conference.

“I have not spoken to José yet, It was honour and privilege to be coached by him. I have great relationship with him and of course he influenced me a lot, I carry him within me.” he said.

“But I am going to be Álvaro Arbeloa. I am not afraid of failure and I never have been. However I am certain that if I tried to be José Mourinho, I would fail spectacularly.”

Mourinho now in charge of Benfica, coached Real Madrid between 2010 & 2013 winning La Liga and leading the club through era defining rivalry with Pep Guardiola’s Barcelona.

Arbeloa inherits team currently four point behind Barcelona in La Liga with his first match in charge coming on Wednesday away to second tier Albacete in the Copa del Rey last 16.

“This club is about winning, winning and winning again,” Arbeloa added. “That demand, that DNA is what filled our trophy cabinets. My job is to excite our fans around the world and try to make those cabinets even fuller.”

“I’ve been here for 20 year. This is my home. I will be at Real Madrid as long as they want me here.”

Arbeloa also paid tribute to Xabi Alonso, his former teammate and close friend.

“Everyone knows the bond between us. I value him enormously and that will never change” he concluded.