Ex-Barcelona star slams new Real Madrid coach Arbeloa and says tactically he 'doesn't reach the sole of Xabi Alonso's shoes'

Ancient Barcelona midfielder Oscar Garcia believes Real Madrid have downgraded by appointing Alvaro Arbeloa as coach and claims that tactically he “does not reach the sole of Xabi Alonso”.

Arbeloa takes charge of Madrid for the first time this evening after leaving the club's B team to succeed Alonso, who left the club on Monday after a turbulent seven months in charge.

Madrid will travel to Albacete in the Copa del Rey but Garcia, who made almost 70 appearances for Barca in the 1990s, believes the new man will struggle.

He told 'Tot Costa' on Catalunya Radio: “Tactically, for what little I have seen [Madrid’s B team] Castilla, it doesn't even reach the sole of Xabi Alonso's shoes.

“He wants to be like [Jose] Mourinho and the only reason he is now coach of Real Madrid is because he only talks about Mourinho.

Perez will always be on the side of Real Madrid players – Garcia

Alonso was reportedly a victim of player power at the Santiago Bernabeu, with several high-profile members of the Madrid squad unconvinced by his methods.

Arbeloa must now steady the ship, but Garcia believes that president Florentino Perez will always side with the players because of their value.

The former Brighton, RB Salzburg and Celta Vigo coach added: “Arbeloa will meet with the players who did not get along with Xabi Alonso. The president, no matter how much he is on his rope, will see who shoots the most.”

“For the president, who is more important: Vinicius or Arbeloa? He knows how the fans want him to play… but he must be very good to turn things around.”