Queiroz, the face to fit Real's global image
The appointment of coach Carlos Queiroz is the logical extension of Real Madrid's attempt to cement their position as the leading club in world football.
The appointment of coach Carlos Queiroz is the logical extension of Real Madrid's attempt to cement their position as the leading club in world football.
The 50-year-old former Portugal and South Africa boss is the modern, media-friendly figure Real Madrid president Florentino Perez was seeking after his decision to call time on Vicente del Bosque's four seasons in charge.
"The profile of the future coach must be in keeping with the image of Real Madrid," Perez told reporters on Tuesday.
"He won't be one of the so-called star coaches but will have a lower profile, although he will also be a very experienced professional."
With the signing of David Beckham certain to boost the club's standing, particularly in Asia, Perez wanted someone who would be more compatible with the club's star status.
"Del Bosque's profile is a traditional one," Perez said on Tuesday. "We're looking for someone with more emphasis on tactics, strategy and physical preparation."
Queiroz, who made his name when in charge of youth development for the Portuguese Football Association, has also worked in Africa, Asia, North America and the Middle East during his 23-year career as a coach.
He speaks five languages and was highly rated by Alex Ferguson, his previous boss at English champions Manchester United, for his innovative coaching methods.
In other words, he is the sort of person Perez believes can pilot a club that revels in its title of "the greatest team of the 20th century" to new heights.
Queiroz's experience in coaching both Beckham and Luis Figo will be invaluable, especially as the two players are likely to be direct competitors for a place in the Real midfield.
His record as a successful youth team coach will also have strengthened his credentials.
Perez has often said he would like to see more players follow in the footsteps of Raul and Iker Casillas by moving through the youth ranks to the first team.
But the Mozambique-born coach will have a hard act to follow in Del Bosque.
The self-effacing former player may not have had the slick media presence that Perez was looking for but he did deliver on the pitch, steering Real to two European Cups, two league titles, a World Club Cup, a European Super Cup and a Spanish Super Cup in his 3-1/2 years at the helm.
The 52-year-old also adroitly handled a dressing room containing five of the world's most famous players in Ronaldo, Zinedine Zidane, Figo, Raul and Roberto Carlos.
The least of Queiroz's worries are likely to be the technical aspects of his new job. What is certain to be his biggest challenge is the management of the explosive mix of egos at the Bernabeu.