Alvaro Arbeloa: “The only future I’m concerned about is tomorrow’s game”

Arbeloa on Real Madrid’s lack of La Liga success

“We would find some, and it’s easy for many to see. Regarding our performance, we certainly have room for improvement in La Liga these past few years. I think we’ve performed better in the big matches these past few months than against less established opponents. If we’re talking about these last three months, we have plenty of room for improvement. But we’ve also experienced situations like the Girona game, which makes it easier for Real Madrid to win a Champions League than a La Liga title.”

Arbeloa on the leadership in this squad

“We have leaders. It’s a very, very young squad compared to others that have been European champions. There are many players we want to demand too much from too soon. But we have many leaders, like Carvajal, Alaba, Militao, Valverde, Bellingham, Mbappé, Vinicius… But there are also many young players, and this isn’t an easy club to adapt to.”

Arbeloa on how he has spent his time after the Bayern loss

“Good, very good. I appreciate your interest. I consider myself a very strong and energetic person. I felt the pride that Real Madrid fans have for the team’s performance on Wednesday. I hope for a Bernabéu tomorrow filled with family, united and proud of how the team played. The feeling on the street is that we were deprived of being in the semifinals. That’s what I’ve been able to sense.”

Arbeloa on Eduardo Camavinga

“He’s hurting, like everyone else. It was clearly a serious mistake by the referee. It’s obvious he didn’t know he didn’t have a card; I think it’s a very serious error. And even without a card, it puts a player at a significant disadvantage in a match like this. Camavinga is hurting because he knows how important the Champions League is for Real Madrid. He has my confidence and the club’s, the fans’ affection, and I hope he can be here for many more years.”

Arbeloa on his selflessness

“I have always done what I believed I should do, and I have never put myself before the club or the players. I can only thank the club for their support and the trust they have placed in me. Everything I have said has been from the bottom of my heart.”

Arbeloa on his relationship with the players

“I don’t get the feeling that we have that kind of friendly relationship. I think I’ve had a good relationship with them. I don’t understand football any other way. And that doesn’t mean you’re not demanding, that you can’t push them… It’s a relationship you have to accept when you’re a player. Even in difficult times, there’s always been a good atmosphere in the locker room. For me, I think that’s a good thing and how a locker room should be.”

Arbeloa on the whistling

“I’m not worried, because I’ve felt the support of the Madrid fans in the streets. We have to play a good match tomorrow, play well, and earn the applause of the Bernabéu crowd. We have to go out there and win, showing it from the moment the ball starts rolling.”

Arbeloa on arriving mid-season

“It’s not the same arriving mid-season, that’s clear, especially with circumstances like injuries. But something that’s obvious to me doesn’t need further reflection. We have a great squad. I don’t think we need a complete overhaul to compete for titles. We’ll fight to win again.”

Arbeloa on Arda Guler

“It’s been a very intense three months. We’ve developed a great relationship. When I arrived here, there was talk that he wasn’t capable of playing in important matches, and look at the knockout rounds he’s played against Bayern and City. I’ve always seen his talent, his desire, and the sacrifice that a player like him puts in. It’s to his credit, because he’s learned from the mistakes he’s made along the way. Arda Güler’s season is a great achievement. He’s a player destined not only for great things in the future but is already doing them in the present.”

Arbeloa on criticism for Mbappe

“I can’t be upset about any of Mbappé’s actions. He had a great tie. He made a huge sacrifice defensively. We watch the matches more than once after they’re over, and I’m happy with Mbappé’s performance. He was a constant threat to Bayern, and that’s the Kylian Mbappé we all want to see.”

Arbeloa on so many questions about his future

“You ask the questions, not me, and you’re free to ask. I’m concerned about these seven matches, starting with tomorrow’s.”