Real Madrid head coach Alvaro Arbeloa spoke to the media ahead of their game against Real Sociedad on Saturday. He was asked about Kylian Mbappé’s fitness, to which he said: “Yes, he’s fine. He’s trained with the group and is available for tomorrow’s match.”
Arbeloa on the game against La Real
“Real Sociedad’s form under the new manager is spectacular. They’ve played against some big teams and are undefeated. They’re dangerous, and we know it will be very difficult. We’ll have to give our best, yet again.”
Arbeloa on the Super League
“The club has already spoken
in its statement, which I refer to. It’s a good agreement for football.”
Arbeloa on picking the best XI
“I have 25 players and I pick each starting eleven, thinking about whether it’s the best lineup for that match. As a friend of mine says, here even the worst player is just as good as you. Everyone knows that opportunities will come and they work very hard. I like that they have that feeling.”
Arbeloa on the best version of this team
“I’m not thinking about anything other than tomorrow’s game. There’s always room for improvement and development. That’s what I’m focused on. I’m happy with how we’ve trained this week, and hopefully tomorrow’s game will be better than the last one, but not as bad as the one after.”
Arbeloa on Dani Carvajal
“As with everyone, I like to talk to them. We sit down, we talk; I like to know what they think. He’s getting better all the time. He’s had another week of training… and the person most interested in seeing him at his best is me. Obviously.”
Arbeloa on Carvajal’s minutes
“No, look. For me, it’s just part of football: a player who isn’t getting the minutes he wants, or who isn’t playing much, I wouldn’t understand if he were happy with his situation. And I’m not just talking about Carvajal, but any player. In this squad, everyone wants to contribute on the pitch, to feel important. If they’ve come to Real Madrid, it’s because they’ve been very, very important; outstanding players at their previous clubs. I always encourage them to work harder every day in training, and when someone isn’t happy… they come to the sidelines. There’s no other possible response. Always, with unity with the rest of the team and putting the team’s interests before individual ones. Just like it is in this squad. That’s the way forward.”
Arbeloa on talking to players
“I’ve had a lot of it. Because that’s what I enjoy. It’s my way of working and how I understand my role. When I was a player, I liked having that relationship with the coach. And now that I’m in this position, I try to talk to everyone about everything, although obviously, mostly about football. But it’s always an open door for everyone. They know where I am. Sometimes they come to me, other times I call them. And that’s what really matters to me, more than any leaks that might come from different quarters. I’m focused on having a good relationship with all my players, and the closer the better.”
Arbeloa on whether there have been any surprises
“No, no. I’m new to this position, but not to Real Madrid. Nothing surprises me.”
Arbeloa on the players’ dinner
“I always think it’s great when they get together. I’m delighted by things like that. I enjoyed them a lot when I was younger.”
Arbeloa on Barcelona’s 4-0 loss
“I have nothing to add. Ask Flick’s Barça.”
Arbeloa on Raul Asencio and Dean Huijsen
“In Valencia, we fielded a defense younger than three reserve teams in the Primera RFEF. We have players with enormous potential, incredible players, despite their age. They should probably be playing in the Primera RFEF, and they’re internationals. It’s not easy being a defender at Real Madrid, I know what I’m talking about. And I’m very happy with them.”
Arbeloa on how it feels being Real Madrid’s coach
“Being the coach of the best team in the world is a privilege and a blessing that I will enjoy until the last day.”
