Former Barcelona star criticises new Real Madrid boss Alvaro Arbeloa: ‘Doesn’t even come close to Alonso’ | OneFootball

Former FC Barcelona player Oscar Garcia-Junyent delivered strong criticism of Alvaro Arbeloa after he was named manager of the Real Madrid first team, replacing Xabi Alonso.

In a sudden upheaval, Real Madrid decided to axe Alonso on Monday, a day after the Spanish Super Cup final defeat to FC Barcelona.

Instead of hiring a replacement from the outside, Los Blancos decided to promote Arbeloa, who was in charge of Castilla this season and had been doing a solid job so far.

However, Garcia-Junyent believes that the former defender is nowhere near the level of his predecessor when it comes to the tactical aspect of management.

Speaking on the programme Tot Costa on Catalunya Radio (h/t Mundo Deportivo), Garcia-Junyent stated:

“Tactically, from what little I have seen of Castilla, he doesn’t even come close to Xabi Alonso ‘s level.”

Oscar Garcia Junyent does not rate Arbeloa as a manager. (Photo by Getty Images/Bongarts/Getty Images)

Not stopping at that, the former Olympiacos and RB Salzburg manager added: “Arbeloa wants to be like Jose Mourinho, and the only reason he is now coaching Real Madrid is because he only talks about Mourinho”.

Finally, Garcia-Junyent stated: “He will side with the players who did not get on well with Xabi Alonso. As for the president, no matter how much he is on his side, we will see who has more influence.

“For the president, who is more important: Vinícius Jr. or Arbeloa? He knows how the fans want the team to play, but Arbeloa will have to be very good to turn things around.”

Arbeloa’s tenure with Real Madrid kicks off soon as his team takes on Albacete in the Copa del Rey Round of 16.