Aitor Karanka has reflected on his pride at having worked for three years with Jose Mourinho at Real Madrid and does not believe his image has been dented.
The former defender served as Mourinho’s assistant Coach at Madrid for three seasons, but is expected to go it alone from this summer, with the Portuguese returning to Chelsea and Madrid bringing in Carlo Ancelotti and assistants Paul Clement and Zinedine Zidane.
For Karanka, there is great value to take from his work alongside Mourinho.
“Being alongside Mourinho for three years at a club like Real Madrid has been the best for my first coaching experience,” reflected the 39-year-old in the latest issue of DT.
“And personally, from it I take friendship, love and much more, not just with Mourinho, but throughout his coaching staff.
“Will Mourinho have affected my image? Working alongside the world’s best is something that can never hurt.
“It could be so in Spain, but across the rest of the world I have seen the admiration that I have for him and, therefore, for my work too.
“I have gotten to know Mourinho’s persona. And if it has been a privilige to work with him, I can say that I claim to be his friend also.”
Madrid finished 2012-13 trophyless.
“For a club like Real Madrid and with this Coach, they always aspire to win everything. It is clear that last year, in terms of titles, has been the worse of the three…
“But despite this, Real Madrid has returned to where they should be, especially in Europe, which had been lost in recent years. And that’s what is important, that the club is back up there.”
