Álvaro Arbeloa: “Dani Carvajal is more than ready for the World Cup”

Real Madrid coach Álvaro Arbeloa sought to dampen speculation surrounding a fall-out with captain Dani Carvajal as he spoke ahead of the La Liga fixture against Real Betis. “My response the other day was blunt and serious, it was in response to a question I found inappropriate; it wasn’t directed at Dani Carvajal,” Arbeloa explained. “You can see how I respond whenever I talk about him; just ask my players how I speak about him in front of the group. You’re trying to cast me in an unfair light in this situation. He’s more than ready for the World Cup; I’m happy with him, and I think he should be just as important to the national team. I’ve always had a good relationship with him; I’ve always treated him with affection, respect, and admiration. For people to think I pick my lineups for personal reasons… I find it hard to believe that there’s a single coach in the world who doesn’t pick his lineup based on footballing reasons.”

Arbeloa on the title race

“It’s not up to us; our goal is to win all six, regardless of what Barcelona does. We’re only focused on this game, but it’s not up to us.”

Arbeloa on motivation

“My main goal shouldn’t be to motivate a Real Madrid player. They already set very high standards for themselves. My goal is to prepare them for what awaits them on the field.”

Arbeloa on Carvajal only playing 22% of minutes

“It’s very simple: only 11 players can take the field. It’s not that the others can’t play. I know I’m being unfair to a lot of them, but I know how hard they train. That’s all there is to it.”

Arbeloa on Carvajal staying beyond the summer

“Whenever you ask me, I always say the same thing: it’s up to them. I’d be happy with whatever makes them happy. Whatever is good for Carvajal and Madrid is good for me.”