Arbeloa talks Vinicius, Mbappe, Camavinga, Guler, future ahead of Real Madrid vs Alaves

“At Real Madrid, losing isn’t acceptable, but neither is winning, because we know the demands of this club and we always have to look to the future to win. We have to win the seven remaining matches.”

On how he wants the players to approach tomorrow’s match vs Alaves, he noted: “With the same need they have. It’s the need we have to win, to play a good game in front of our fans.”

Regarding his future and whether he would have liked to have more time at the club to get things on track, Arbeloa said:

“It’s not my decision to make. I’m not worried about my future at all. I’m worried about these seven matches, and especially tomorrow’s.”

He added: “These are club decisions. I have direct communication with the club every week and we have a great relationship, but the only future I’m concerned about is tomorrow.

“These seven matches are more important than they might seem. We have to prove ourselves tomorrow.”

Talking about why Real Madrid have not been able to win many La Liga titles in recent years, compared to their success in Europe, Arbeloa explained:

“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.”

No wins in four games. (Photo by Lars Baron/Getty Images)

On whether this team is lacking leaders in the locker room, Arbeloa highlighted the likes of Vinicius Jr. and Kylian Mbappe, among others, saying:

“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, Mbappe, Vinicius… But there are also many young players, and this isn’t an easy club to adapt to.”

On whether he feels he has sacrificed himself in the past three months to put the players and the club over, he added:

“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.”

On whether having to take over the team midway through the season has hurt his chances, he said:

“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.”

Giving an update on the mental condition of Eduardo Camaviga, whose red card against Bayern Munich hurt the team, Arbeloa said:

“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.”

Regarding the form of Arda Guler, he added: “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 Guler’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.”

Discussing his relationship with the entire locker room, Arbeloa explained: “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.”

On whether he is worried about the fans whistling at him and the players tomorrow, Arbeloa said:

“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 Bernabeu crowd.

“We have to go out there and win, showing it from the moment the ball starts rolling.”

Concluding, he was asked about the criticism faced by Mbappe after the Bayern Munich tie, over his lack of pressing, to which Arbeloa said:

“I can’t be upset about any of Mbappe’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 Mbappe’s performance.

“He was a constant threat to Bayern, and that’s the Kylian Mbappé we all want to see.”

Source: AS