Speaking after a thrilling 3-2 win over Atlético Madrid in La Liga at the Bernabéu, Real Madrid coach Álvaro Arbeloa was full of praise for goalscorer Vinícius Júnior as he said: “Another brilliant performance. Another display of talent, of courage, of fearlessness. Of making mistakes and trying again. As I always say, we’re incredibly lucky to have him. For his commitment, his talent, his desire to drive the team forward. I don’t know if this is the best moment of his career, but he’s not far off”.
Arbeloa on Valverde’s red card
“We showed character and mental strength. We had to dig deep with a man down. I see it differently, but I’m grateful to José Luis (Munuera Montero) for coming over to explain why he sent him off. We managed to take all three points, which is what we wanted.”
Arbeloa on what the referee told him
“He told me it was excessive force, and I don’t see it that way. There was no chance of hurting or injuring the opponent. That’s my view, which differs from his. But he came to explain it and I appreciate that. Sometimes it’s appreciated, even if it doesn’t change anything. The red card made everything more difficult and we had to suffer a lot. Every victory is a turning point. Now comes the battle for the league title. Mission accomplished.”
Arbeloa on what has changed
“I’m getting to know them better and better. I arrived without time to work, just to see how they were gelling. It’s not easy. Arriving in the middle of a season and seeing how the team works best. That’s what has changed. I now know what my players are like, where I can get the best out of them. I’m sure there’s still a long way to go. There are still players to come. We’re evolving.”
Arbeloa on whether Mbappé is 100% fit
“Every day I try to field the best starting eleven; when you have the best in the world, you have to make the most of him. After three weeks, almost a month, it’s normal to be making progress, which is what I like. And it’s best for them and for the team. Kylian had a good spell on the pitch. He was a constant threat. He’ll get more playing time with his national team and will come back better prepared.”
Arbeloa on beating Mourinho, Guardiola and Simeone
“When you have the best players, it’s easier. They’re learning to dig deep and be a great team. I always tell the players that. When the crowd gets behind you, it feels like the pitch is sloping in your favour. I’m grateful to everyone for being as united as possible. Let’s show the power of friendship. And let’s keep winning.”
Arbeloa on Carvajal over Trent
“I pick the best eleven for every match and I think Carvajal had a very good spell; he was all over Lookman. I’m pleased with him and with how Trent has come on. I’m happy to have so many options. And that everyone contributes as they have done today.”
Arbeloa on the change in performances from the players
“I don’t know, that’s a question for them. Trying to get the best out of them, seeing how we can be a team, compact, sticking together. Often I had the feeling that we were relying on the player’s talent, on whatever came to mind. And we want to have ideas and our own style of play. You have to bear in mind that we’ve only just arrived.”
Arbeloa on integrating Mbappé and Bellingham
“That’s my main objective as a manager: to be unfair to as many players as possible. To feel that, when I pick the starting eleven, I’m being unfair to many of them. That’s my goal: to feel that I have 25 players and they can all play. Hopefully one day I’ll achieve that.”
Arbeloa on Bellingham’s role after his return
“We’ll see in the coming matches. He’s coming back after quite a long spell out and I’d love for his progression, despite what lies ahead, to be gradual, like Mbappé’s. It’ll be up to me to find his place, to surround him with players he has a good rapport with. The problem with Bellingham is that he’s very good at doing lots of things. When you’re that good at so many things, you have to choose.”
Arbeloa on Brahim
“He’s really getting what I want from him in that playmaker or ‘false nine’ role. When opponents sit deep, he has plenty of freedom to move between the lines. That’s what I asked of him. I wanted him to create chances. He couldn’t just settle for not making mistakes. He’s a player who has to take risks, go one-on-one, shoot at goal, win penalties like today… That’s the Brahim we need.”
Arbeloa on Militão
“Militão will be available for Mallorca.”
Arbeloa on whether Trent was left out because he arrived late
“Every matchday I field the best possible team.”
Arbeloa on the international break coming at a bad time with the team in form
“You never know. That’s just how it is. I don’t dwell on it. It’s all about wins. That’s our objective. As things stand, we need to keep winning.”
Arbeloa on his message to those who doubted him
“That they didn’t know what players I had.”
