Real Madrid Confidencial Raúl Albiol explains what Mourinho was like, Madridist idol and role model for Xabi Alonso
Madridists are excited as they look to Xabi Alonso as an example of Mourinho's philosophy
Real Madrid will begin a new era with Xabi Alonso leading the team, already at the Club World Cup. He is a player who had Mourinho as his coach, and therefore is his "pupil." Many are looking at how he might resemble the Portuguese coach and his way of leading the team.
This is why the interview that Raúl Albiol gave to Josep Pedrerol for his podcast is interesting. The center-back was at Real Madrid from 2009 to 2013 and overlapped with Mourinho. It was a period in which he barely played due to the competition he faced for the position.
Sergio Ramos, Pepe, Varane, or Carvalho shared the locker room and left him with few minutes on the field. Despite this, he has spoken about what Mourinho was like, in words that Madridists will welcome eagerly. He explains why he won over the fans and why he remains an idol for many today.
"Mourinho said things clearly, it didn't matter what your name was, he didn't care about names," he pointed out. This was something that led him to make controversial decisions, but with a purpose. "He was very clear, quite fair, and very focused on winning, he didn't care about the way, you had to win," Albiol states.
Real Madrid's future will follow the Mourinho style
With Xabi Alonso's arrival at Real Madrid, and Arbeloa's promotion to Castilla, a path is being set. Both were "pupils" of Mourinho and therefore could follow his style as coaches. This is something that Madridists seem to have welcomed with great excitement this summer.
Perhaps both are less direct and more elegant than the Portuguese coach in their public statements. That ambition, that desire to succeed as the main objective will be kept. It's a mentality they acquired and could now transfer to their teams.
Although it's also true that Xabi had Ancelotti as a coach, from whom he also learned things. Good teachers to learn the task of managing a locker room and getting the best out of it. He surely took the best from them and will apply it to lead Real Madrid to success.
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