REAL Madrid have confirmed Jose Mourinho has appointed compatriot Aitor Karanka as his second in command at the Bernabeu.
Karanka joins a coaching team consisting of Rui Faria, Silvino Louro and Jose Morais and, like the trio, has also signed a four-year contract with the Spanish giants.
It is thought his appointment came about because Mourinho wanted someone who - like Giuseppe Baresi at Inter Milan - knew the club well.
Karanka spent five years at Madrid, between 1997 and 2002, helping them to three Champions League trophies and one league title.
The 36-year-old was serving as Spain Under-16 coach, while he was also assistant to Gines Melendez with the Under-17s who have just returned as runners-up from the European championships.
Madrid have thanked the Spanish federation for the ease in which they allowed the Primera Division club to sign the Portuguese coach.
It is thought his appointment came about because Mourinho wanted someone who - like Giuseppe Baresi at Inter Milan - knew the club well.
Karanka spent five years at Madrid, between 1997 and 2002, helping them to three Champions League trophies and one league title.
The 36-year-old was serving as Spain Under-16 coach, while he was also assistant to Gines Melendez with the Under-17s who have just returned as runners-up from the European championships.
Madrid have thanked the Spanish federation for the ease in which they allowed the Primera Division club to sign the Portuguese coach.
Copyright (c) Press Association
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