He spoke ahead of the Champions League game against Monaco
Real Madrid coach Álvaro Arbeloa spoke to journalists at Valdebebas on Monday afternoon ahead of his UEFA Champions League debut as a coach against AS Monaco. Asked whether he would ever consider taking off Vinícius to protect him from boos and whistles from fans, he replied that: “Take him off? I don’t know if that’s clear. He’ll be on the pitch as long as he’s available and performing as he is now. He’s a fantastic, exceptional player. As Real Madrid coach, if I want to have a chance of winning, I need him. I need Vinicius on the pitch.”
Arbeloa on the train crash in Andalusia
“Before I begin, I would like to express my sincere condolences to those affected by the tragic accident in Córdoba.”
Arbeloa on the atmosphere in the dressing room
“The team is doing well. They’re really eager. After Saturday’s victory and knowing that this is a very important competition. Winning tomorrow would bring us closer to that goal. We are aware of the significance.”
Arbeloa on his conversation with Vinícius about fines for players
“Since you were all there, someone was hanging around listening in… A funny anecdote and little else.”
Arbeloa on Mbappé asking fans not to whistle only one player
“Vini, what he wants and what I hope and wish for is the support of the Bernabéu for all its players and, above all, for Vinicius. He has been writing his story for many years. He has given us two magical Champions League titles. And he needs the Bernabéu to be at his best. He has a huge heart and is very emotional. His football is too. As a coach, I would love to see the Bernabéu behind Vinicius and all the players.”
Arbeloa on how players can change the Bernabéu’s reaction
“Just like the other day. They ran, they worked hard, they were unstoppable. A very good second half, and that’s the Vini and Jude we want to see. They are two of the best in the world. And they also need the fans to bring out the best in them.”
Arbeloa on whether his team needs a creative midfielder
“I’ve said from day one that I have an extraordinary squad. After spending these six days with them, I’ve realised that they’re even better than I thought. And I came here to fight for every title. La Liga and the Champions League. We’ll do whatever it takes to fight for them. And I’d love for the fans to be behind us. When Madrid has won titles, it’s because the Bernabéu has been behind them. If you ask any rival, they’ll all talk about the atmosphere at the Bernabéu. That’s what we want. And we know it’s our job.”
Arbeloa on whether fans could take badly his comments about Florentino
“I repeat what I said the other day. As a youth player, as a player, and above all as a coach, I have enormous respect for the fans and for them expressing themselves as they see fit. Booing weakens the team, it weakens Real Madrid. I know there are campaigns to weaken Real Madrid and I know who is behind them. They’re not going to fool me.”
Arbeloa on whether he spoke to Carlo Ancelotti on Saturday
“I’ll mark him down for not coming to say hello. If he’s here this morning, I hope he comes down. I was one of his players. I was lucky to be coached by him. He’s the most successful. There’s no need to say much more about him.”
Arbeloa on Ancelotti’s famous line of “you either run or you make a difference”
“This crest demands effort. I’ve seen guys with an exceptional attitude. I’ve seen players press, come together, bite. I have no doubt that effort is paramount in this crest. We’re going to try to be a team that gives its all. Knowing the characteristics and roles of each player.”
Arbeloa on whether he’s worried about the relationship with fans
“No, I see you’re very concerned about the whistles. I know what the Bernabéu crowd is like. I’ve told the players. If anyone is fair, it’s the Bernabéu crowd. Let them see the style they like, we’re working on it. We know they’ll be on our side. The crowd wants to see their team. We’re aware of that and really looking forward to playing tomorrow. We’re convinced of it.”
Category: General Sports
