Real Madrid coach Álvaro Arbeloa was asked about his feelings ahead of his first Madrid Derby against Atlético on Sunday, and about Diego Simeone’s claim that his team are “the people’s team”. Arbeloa replied, “well, well… I think it’s great. I focus on my own team. And it’s a privilege to face managers like Diego Simeone, who has been demonstrating his quality and talent as a manager for many years at Atlético Madrid. Where he’s taken them, the consistency he’s maintained and where he’s restored
Atlético Madrid to… It’s a privilege, because he’s the kind of manager who pushes you to the limit, who demands the utmost from you and makes you think long and hard about the matches. So… well, I’ll say it again: it’s a privilege to be able to face the best managers in the world.”
Arbeloa on the Derby
“With enthusiasm and excitement. It’s an important match because of what these three points mean, for the fans, and because of the excitement that’s been built up. It’s one of the best matches you can experience. I’m looking forward to seeing a passionate Bernabéu.”
Arbeloa on the timeline for Courtois
“You take risks every time you put a player on the pitch. Very few players take to the field at 100%, without any niggles. It’s normal. When he came off at half-time, he wanted to keep playing and it was I who decided to stop him. It’s also because of the complete confidence I have in Lunin. He’s a great goalkeeper and he’ll prove it. Here, the best goalkeeper in history gets injured and we’ve got another one. We haven’t set ourselves any deadlines.”
Arbeloa on whether Mbappé’s knee is fully recovered
“I’ve already said that when he returns, he’ll be 100%. In Manchester he showed he’s in great shape and how he feels… that’s the most important thing. I have complete confidence in him and am certain he’ll be back, and I’m thrilled to have him back. He’s 100%.”
Arbeloa on what will happen with Thiago when he has all options available
“We’ll cross that bridge when we come to it. Having Bellingham is excellent news, and so is the fact that Thiago has performed so well. There are plenty of matches, and I love these kinds of problems. They can also play together…”
Arbeloa on Bellingham’s role on his return
“Here, we all attack and we all defend. We’ll find his best role; that’s my job. When we don’t have the ball, all eleven of us have to work. A collective mindset. I don’t see any problem in having world-class players. And if it happens, it’s a blessed problem.”
Arbeloa on whether he wants Rüdiger to stay for next season
“I don’t like getting involved in these matters; I have great respect for the club and the player, the two parties who need to come to an understanding. But I’d be happy to put up a statue of Rüdiger in my garden. From day one, he’s made himself available to the coaching staff. He told me that in March, when the going gets tough, he’d be available, and here he is. His treatment in London, with Niko, has been a stroke of luck. And Real Madrid fans must realise how lucky we are to have him.”
Arbeloa on Mbappé being called up by France
“It’s brilliant. He’s available and he’ll definitely be playing tomorrow. I don’t see any problem with him going.”
Arbeloa on Bellingham going with England
“I say the same thing. He’s available. It’s normal; he’s very intelligent and knows what he’s doing.”
Arbeloa on preferring players to stay during the international breaks
“If it’s not up to me and I can’t choose, I can’t dwell on it too much.”
