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Arbeloa discusses key players Vinicius, Mbappe, Camavinga, and Guler ahead of Real Madrid's match against Alaves. Real Madrid aims to end a four-game winless streak and is currently nine points behind Barcelona in La Liga.
Arbeloa talks Vinicius, Mbappe, Camavinga, Guler, future ahead of Real Madrid vs Alaves
Real Madrid will be hoping to break their four-game winless streak across all competitions when they take on Deportivo Alaves this Tuesday night at the Santiago Bernabeu.
A defeat to Mallorca followed by a draw against Girona has left Real Madrid nine points behind leaders Barcelona in the La Liga title race.
Meanwhile, they were knocked out of the UEFA Champions League by Bayern Munich at the quarter-final stage, leaving Los Blancos staring at the prospect of another season without a major trophy.
Speaking to the media on the eve of the match, Arbeloa addressed the teamās difficult position currently as well as his own future, with reports claiming that he will be relieved of his duties at the end of the season.
āTwo seasons without winning anything⦠Real Madrid are the club where things usually go right. There are times when things donāt, but the mentality of this club is always to look to the future,ā Arbeloa began.
Arbeloa shared insights on both Vinicius and Mbappe, highlighting their importance to the team's future.
Real Madrid is struggling, having not won in their last four games and currently sitting nine points behind Barcelona in La Liga.
The match is crucial for Real Madrid to break their winless streak and regain momentum in the La Liga title race.
Real Madrid was recently eliminated from the UEFA Champions League by Bayern Munich and has had disappointing results in La Liga.

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āAt Real Madrid, losing isnāt 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.ā
On how he wants the players to approach tomorrowās match vs Alaves, he noted: āWith the same need they have. Itās the need we have to win, to play a good game in front of our fans.ā
Regarding his future and whether he would have liked to have more time at the club to get things on track, Arbeloa said:
āItās not my decision to make. Iām not worried about my future at all. Iām worried about these seven matches, and especially tomorrowās.ā
He added: āThese are club decisions. I have direct communication with the club every week and we have a great relationship, but the only future Iām concerned about is tomorrow.
āThese seven matches are more important than they might seem. We have to prove ourselves tomorrow.ā
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:
āWe would find some, and itās easy for many to see. Regarding our performance, we certainly have room for improvement in La Liga these past few years.
āI think weāve performed better in the big matches these past few months than against less established opponents. If weāre talking about these last three months, we have plenty of room for improvement.
āBut weāve also experienced situations like the Girona game, which makes it easier for Real Madrid to win a Champions League than a La Liga title.ā
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:
āWe have leaders. Itās 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.
āBut we have many leaders, like Carvajal, Alaba, Militao, Valverde, Bellingham, Mbappe, Vinicius⦠But there are also many young players, and this isnāt an easy club to adapt to.ā
On whether he feels he has sacrificed himself in the past three months to put the players and the club over, he added:
āI 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.ā
On whether having to take over the team midway through the season has hurt his chances, he said:
āItās not the same arriving mid-season, thatās clear, especially with circumstances like injuries. But something thatās obvious to me doesnāt need further reflection.
āWe have a great squad. I donāt think we need a complete overhaul to compete for titles. Weāll fight to win again.ā
Giving an update on the mental condition of Eduardo Camaviga, whose red card against Bayern Munich hurt the team, Arbeloa said:
āHeās hurting, like everyone else. It was clearly a serious mistake by the referee. Itās obvious he didnāt know he didnāt have a card; I think itās a very serious error. And even without a card, it puts a player at a significant disadvantage in a match like this.
āCamavinga is hurting because he knows how important the Champions League is for Real Madrid. He has my confidence and the clubās, the fansā affection, and I hope he can be here for many more years.ā
Regarding the form of Arda Guler, he added: āItās been a very intense three months. Weāve developed a great relationship.
āWhen I arrived here, there was talk that he wasnāt capable of playing in important matches, and look at the knockout rounds heās played against Bayern and City. Iāve always seen his talent, his desire, and the sacrifice that a player like him puts in.
āItās to his credit, because heās learned from the mistakes heās made along the way. Arda Gulerās season is a great achievement. Heās a player destined not only for great things in the future but is already doing them in the present.ā
Discussing his relationship with the entire locker room, Arbeloa explained: āI donāt get the feeling that we have that kind of friendly relationship. I think Iāve had a good relationship with them. I donāt understand football any other way.
āAnd that doesnāt mean youāre not demanding, that you canāt push them⦠Itās a relationship you have to accept when youāre a player. Even in difficult times, thereās always been a good atmosphere in the locker room.
āFor me, I think thatās a good thing and how a locker room should be.ā
On whether he is worried about the fans whistling at him and the players tomorrow, Arbeloa said:
āIām not worried, because Iāve 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.
āWe have to go out there and win, showing it from the moment the ball starts rolling.ā
Concluding, he was asked about the criticism faced by Mbappe after the Bayern Munich tie, over his lack of pressing, to which Arbeloa said:
āI canāt be upset about any of Mbappeās actions. He had a great tie. He made a huge sacrifice defensively. We watch the matches more than once after theyāre over, and Iām happy with Mbappeās performance.
āHe was a constant threat to Bayern, and thatās the Kylian MbappĆ© we all want to see.ā
Source: AS