Alvaro Arbeloa: “When Militao is fit, he’s undoubtedly the best in the world”

VALDEBEBAS, SPAIN - MARCH 21: Alvaro Arbeloa, head coach, attends his press conference during the training day of Real Madrid ahead the Spanish League, LaLiga EA Sports, football match against Atletico de Madrid at Ciudad Deportiva Real Madrid on March 21, 2026, in Valdebebas, Madrid, Spain. (Photo By Oscar J. Barroso/Europa Press via Getty Images) | Europa Press via Getty Images

Alvaro Arbeloa spoke to the media ahead of Real Madrid’s match against Girona on Friday. He was asked about Eder Militao’s qualities, to which he said: “When Militao is fit, he’s undoubtedly the best in the world. Physically, he’s a dominant player, excellent in one-on-one situations, covers a lot of ground in open play, and has a very powerful aerial game. He also has great ball distribution, a great mentality, character, and leadership. His importance to the team is undeniable. It’s a privilege to have a player like him.”

Arbeloa on the match

“I’m eager to compete at home in front of our fans, knowing that we need to go for the three points and play a great game. I’m really looking forward to it.

“Tomorrow I want to go out and win. Despite the result, I still believe I fielded my best players in Mallorca. I’m not thinking about rotations. Tomorrow’s match is the most important one I have as a coach. I’ll field a team that’s up to the task.”

Arbeloa on Vinicius Jr being booed

“You already know what I think of Vinicius. What he means to me as a coach, as a Real Madrid fan, and the performance he’s delivering. For me, it would be a privilege, and I hope to play every match I have at the Bernabéu. The boos are part of the demands of these fans. I see it as normal and natural. Others might notice a tense atmosphere. If there’s one thing we’re feeling, it’s the support of our fans. We can’t ask for anything more. If the team showed character and had the chances they did, it was because of how the Bernabéu crowd pushed them. I hope to have the opportunity to play at the Bernabéu. All the players feel the same way.”

Arbeloa on Kylian Mbappe

“It’s not just Mbappé; I want players who want to be Real Madrid players every single day. It’s important to want to be yourself, beyond talent and quality. You can’t play Champions League quarter-finals and highly motivated matches every day; that’s where self-discipline comes in. It goes beyond the talent they possess. We want them to feel they have to shine when they play against Girona tomorrow. That’s what we need. For them to be themselves every day and be willing to give their best. It’s not easy, but that’s what we need. For their motivation to be giving their absolute best.”

Arbeloa on the refereeing in Spain

“You all know my opinion about what has happened for so many years and continues to happen. I am not going to change my mind.”

Arbeloa on Barcelona’s complaints

“I don’t want to get into that kind of assessment. We’ve already seen what happened last weekend and what continues to happen for many weeks. My opinion is there and I stand by it; it’s what I keep seeing week after week.”

Arbeloa on whether players lacked enthusiasm

“No, not at all. I’m not one to go into a tactical breakdown of what we’re looking for here. What’s important is wanting to go out there with a great attitude, a great commitment. The talent is there, and that’s wonderful. But to win games, talent alone isn’t enough. Occasionally, yes, but if we want to be consistent, we need more than just talent.”

Arbeloa on motivation ahead of Girona

“They’re the ones who want to play the most. More than me. Any Real Madrid player, when they don’t win and something like this happens, would want to play the next day. I’ve spoken with many of them and they’re willing, available, and eager to give the fans and ourselves a great game.”

Arbeloa on the margin of error in the league

“We are aware that every match is very important. Now we have less margin for error. If we have no options, we will continue fighting just the same. We know who we represent and the demands that come with it. We are prepared to face it.”

Arbeloa on injuries

“Militao and Bellingham will start. Mendy will get some playing time.”

Arbeloa on Eduardo Camavinga’s role

“Camavinga has played quite a bit for me. More than in the first part of the season. He started and will start again tomorrow. I consider him important for me and for the club. He has shown many times what kind of player he is and has the confidence of everyone at the club and, of course, the coach.”

Arbeloa on Camavinga wanting to contribute more

“It’s good that he’s feeling this way. Every coach asks different things of him. He has a privileged physique, excellent ball control. He has great qualities. I’m happy with his performance. I want him to improve, to understand what we ask of him on the field. He will continue to be important in the future.”

Arbeloa on refereeing

“It’s not about trusting or distrusting. It’s what we’re seeing. It happened on Tuesday with the tackle on Mbappé; it’s hard to understand why it wasn’t a red card. It’s even happening with VAR, which seemed like it was going to solve a lot of things. In Spain, we’re still waiting for an explanation, and we need to fix it. There are a lot of doubts surrounding all these kinds of decisions. One week VAR intervenes, the next it doesn’t. I try to focus on my job as a coach.”