Real Madrid head coach Alvaro Arbeloa spoke to the media after their 2-1 win over Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium on Tuesday. Kiyan Sobhani of Managing Madrid asked him about Arda Güler’s massive performance, and the way he helped Real Madrid keep the ball, to which he said: “Well we knew that Manchester City were going to press us in the first 15-20 minutes. And obviously they created some chances. We needed to keep the ball a little bit more. It’s not easy when you don’t have these experienced
players. But I think players like Huijsen or Arda Güler, even Thiago, they made a great impact in the team, and obviously they are growing, they are getting some experience with this type of game. So really happy. We’re a young squad, we know that. But we are brave, and we are going to face Bayern Munich with a lot of confidence.”
Arbeloa on the game
“They came out as we expected; pressing high, making things difficult. We lacked patience with the ball, but that’s easy to say and even harder to do. And after the penalty, everything changed.”
Arbeloa on Manchester City easing off in the second half
“Yes, definitely subconsciously. Although at halftime we talked about going out to win; having a lot of possession and scoring goals. But we were facing an opponent that plays very well.”
Arbeloa on Brahim’s performance
“Yes… yes… he had a spectacular tie. It wasn’t easy, because he had to fill a very big gap, like Mbappé’s. But he did very well; helping in defense and getting forward in attack.”
Arbeloa on Thibaut Courtois’ injury
“It was out of precaution. He had some minor discomfort and we didn’t want to take any risks. I hope he’ll be available on Sunday.
“Courtois had some discomfort; he wanted to continue, but it wasn’t necessary. We have the derby soon, another final, a crucial match. We’re lucky to have a great goalkeeper like Lunin; he did exceptionally well. What he does every time he plays isn’t easy. I’m very happy with Mbappé; he looked fast. I think it was a penalty when he broke away at speed. He had a very good feeling. We’ll see what we can do between now and Sunday.”
Arbeloa on what Pep Guardiola said
“Nothing, just to congratulate me and I wished him luck for Sunday’s final.”
Arbeloa on whether he feels vindicated
“No. It’s the players who turned things around, with their effort and skill. We had a great team in front of us; very few people thought we’d win both games. Thanks to the players for their effort.”
Arbeloa on turning a difficult situation around
“I don’t think it was any different from the last two months: working hard and trying to make them comfortable on the pitch, getting everyone to work together, which I think they did. We’ve been supportive. And the talent they have is there; it’s very important, and they’ve all understood that well. It’s a great victory. This continues, but the next setback will bring back the doubts off the pitch. We can’t control that, but we’ll keep working the same way.”
Arbeloa on whether he beat Pep
“I wouldn’t dare think I could beat someone like Pep. We won because of the players’ hard work; they understood what we wanted from them. You analyze the opponent and see how to hurt them. I hope this strengthens us as a group. The players deserve the recognition. We have a lot of players out, and we’re being a great team, a family. That’s a key to this team.”
Arbeloa on defeating Guardiola and Mourinho’s teams
“I have some amazing players. I wouldn’t have believed it two months ago. Bayern… we’ll have to wait and see, but they’re one of the most in-form teams in Europe, they’re playing at a very high level. It will be very difficult, with the second leg in Munich. When it arrives, I’ll have this mentality.”
Arbeloa on how he will fit the injured players
“The takeaway from this tie is that this is the right path, regardless of who’s on the pitch. In the Champions League and in La Liga. If we’re not at 100%, anyone can beat us. We have to fight, battle, and sacrifice ourselves, giving our all on the field.”
Arbeloa on Dean Huijsen
“His performance in the qualifying round has been just as good as everyone else’s. I’m very happy with how he’s doing.”
Arbeloa on what he has learned
“I could write a book… Every day at Real Madrid is a learning experience. I see how to get the best out of every player, making them understand that without effort there is no reward. The Champions League is special for Real Madrid; if we want to win, we have to perform like we did today. We also need luck, to be better, and to have luck. We deserve this; we won 5-1, that says it all. Let’s keep this up, now for Bayern.”
