New Real Madrid Manager Says He Won't Copy Jose Mourinho: 'I Would Fail Spectacularly'

Real Madrid's new head coach Alvaro Arbeloa has played down the prospect of replicating the managerial style of his former boss Jose Mourinho. Arbeloa has been placed in charge of the first-team squad at the Bernabeu following Xabi Alonso's surprise exit from the club on Monday, departing after only 34 matches at the helm.

Alonso was removed from his post on Monday evening, much to the shock of the footballing world. Reports from Spain claimed his job was surely safe after navigating Real Madrid to the final of the Supercopa de Espana last week, eliminating Atletico Madrid in the semi-finals before falling to Barcelona in a thrilling Clasico.

Real 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.

Arbeloa played 237 games for Real Madrid during his career, including a three-season spell when Mourinho was manager from 2010 to 2013. However, Arbeloa has dismissed comparisons between his and the 'Special One's coaching styles, insisting he wants to follow his own path instead.

At his first press conference on Tuesday, Arbeloa said: "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."

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