‘I am a Mourinhista’ — New Real Madrid boss eager to emulate Portuguese legend

Real Madrid have once again shown their ruthless streak by sacking Xabi Alonso just seven months into his reign and appointing former club stalwart Álvaro Arbeloa as his replacement. 

The 42-year-old wasted little time outlining his footballing identity, openly declaring his admiration for José Mourinho.

Arbeloa’s promotion came just 24 hours after Real Madrid’s painful 3–2 Spanish Super Cup final defeat to Barcelona, a result that sealed Alonso’s fate. 

The former right-back, who won eight major trophies during his playing career at the Bernabéu, steps up from Real Madrid Castilla with a clear sense of conviction about the kind of coach he wants to be.

Having played 122 matches under Mourinho between 2010 and 2013, Arbeloa has never hidden the impact the Portuguese coach had on him. 

Speaking back in 2017, he proudly declared: “Of course I am a Mourinhista. Being a Mourinhista is a way of doing things and always being upfront and not being afraid to be yourself.” He added: “I try to be as Mourinho-like as possible.”

That admiration goes beyond tactics. In a separate interview, Arbeloa praised Mourinho’s fierce loyalty to his players, saying: “He was like a bullet-proof vest for the players. If someone was picked on by the critics he was the first to defend him.”

Arbeloa’s Mourinho-inspired edge has already been seen on the touchline. In May 2023, while coaching Real Madrid’s Under-19s, he clashed publicly with Atlético Madrid youth coach Fernando Torres in a heated confrontation that ended with Torres being sent off. 

Tactically, the new Real boss also brings a defined defensive philosophy. Speaking to The Coaches’ Voice in February 2024, Arbeloa explained: 

“The key is to control the space and force the opponent to play where it does the least damage.” He added: “Defending is not always about going for the tackle, it's about knowing how to bide your time.”

With Real Madrid struggling defensively, managing just one clean sheet in their last eight games, Arbeloa’s structured, patient approach could prove vital as the club chase LaLiga, Champions League and Copa del Rey glory. 

His first major test arrives away to Albacete in the Copa del Rey, where early results may determine whether this self-proclaimed Mourinhista can truly follow in his idol’s footsteps.