Quique Sanchez Flores: “I highly value Arbeloa’s performance”

TL;DR

Quique Sanchez Flores praised Álvaro Arbeloa's performance after Deportivo Alaves lost 2-1 to Real Madrid. He highlighted the team's tactical approach and the challenge posed by Real Madrid's attacking players, including Vinicius and Mbappe.

Key points

Quique Sanchez Flores is the head coach of Deportivo Alaves.
Alaves lost 2-1 to Real Madrid at Estadio Santiago Bernabeu.
Flores praised Álvaro Arbeloa's performance and consistency.
He highlighted the challenge posed by Vinicius and Mbappe.
Flores noted his team's tactical approach and intentions.

Mentioned in this story

Quique Sanchez FloresÁlvaro ArbeloaKylian MbappeVinicius

Deportivo AlavesReal Madrid

MADRID, SPAIN - APRIL 21: Kylian Mbappe of Real Madrid gives his shirt to Quique Sanchez Flores, Manager of Deportivo Alaves, at the end of the LaLiga EA Sports match between Real Madrid CF and Deportivo Alaves at Estadio Santiago Bernabeu on April 21, 2026 in Madrid, Spain. (Photo by Alvaro Medranda/Quality Sport Images/Getty Images) | Getty Images Alaves head coach Quique Sánchez Flores spoke to the media after his side lost 2 – 1 to Real Madrid at the Bernabeu, reflecting on his team’s performance and key aspects of the game. “We controlled the game comfortably and avoided difficult situations, which is more or less what we were aiming for. I highly value Arbeloa’s performance. They competed very well in the Champions League, and that caused them to lose focus on the league campaign. Álvaro has shown consistency. We have a lot of affection and respect for each other, and I value what he’s doing.” He also commented on Real Madrid’s attacking players: “Vinicius and Mbappe are both very good, they have similar characteristics. In some matches they were more effective, and in others, less so. I think they’re both decisive and intimidating to face. Real Madrid’s future could be built around having both of them at the same time.” Flores also addressed his team’s tactical approach: “We managed the transitions from attack to defense well. At times we’ve been aggressive and brave. We’ve always tried to reach the opponent’s area. We’re a team full of intentions and passion, but our opponents are very good and they play too.”

Q&A

What did Quique Sanchez Flores say about Álvaro Arbeloa's performance?

Quique Sanchez Flores highly valued Álvaro Arbeloa's performance, noting his consistency and the mutual respect between them.

How did Deportivo Alaves perform against Real Madrid?

Deportivo Alaves lost 2-1 to Real Madrid, but Flores stated they controlled the game comfortably and managed transitions well.

What are Quique Sanchez Flores' thoughts on Real Madrid's attacking players?

Flores described Vinicius and Mbappe as very good players with similar characteristics, emphasizing their effectiveness and potential for Real Madrid's future.