Real Madrid coach Alvaro Arbeloa spoke to the media ahead of his final game as manager of the club. He confirmed his departure, and when asked about it, said: “I hope it’s a see you later. I’ve always considered Madrid my home. I’ve been with Madrid for 20 years; it’s my home. This is my last match this season, I don’t know if it will be the last of my life as Madrid’s coach, we never know. I’ll try to enjoy it. And I’m focused on winning.
“I want to see a great match, say goodbye to the fans, and
give them a victory. It’s a big effort; playing the last match at home is special. I want to make the Bernabéu happy.”
Arbeloa on rumors of him joining Jose Mourinho’s coaching staff
“I’m not here to talk about possibilities. Mourinho has a fantastic coaching staff, he’s very well supported. If he comes, he’ll come with his own people, as it should be. There’s no possibility of me joining him. I’ve spent these four months thinking about Real Madrid, from now on it’s time to think about myself. I’ve taken the leap, I feel ready for new challenges.”
Arbeloa on Dani Carvajal
“He’s a symbol of what a Real Madrid player should be. He laid the foundation stone for Valdebebas; he’s special, unique. It will be a beautiful day for everyone, to pay him tribute. He’ll start, and I’m sure that when I substitute him so they can honor him, everyone will stand up. When he looks back, he’ll be very proud of what he’s done. We Madrid fans have been very lucky.”
Arbeloa on Vinicius Jr
“He has permission from the club for a personal matter, we don’t know if he will be able to play tomorrow.”
Arbeloa on where he ranks Dani Carvajal in the best full-backs in the club’s history
“I would definitely put Carvajal at the top. Dani has been able to be very dominant in both aspects, going forward and defending. He is a born competitor, he has faced the best.”
Arbeloa on his time at the club
“I know the state of the team when I arrived. What I’ve had to face. If I had started from the beginning, it would have been different. But it’s what I’ve been dealt, and I’ve tried to do it as best I can. Not my way, but the best way possible. We’ve done many things well, and I’m happy with what we’ve accomplished. I’m leaving with a great relationship with almost everyone.”
Arbeloa on elections
“There are things I can’t get involved in. I think it’s great that they’re running; they know where the bar is set. We’ll be listening and seeing what ideas they can contribute.”
Arbeloa on relationships with players
“I’m very grateful to them for what we’ve been through. I’m aware that with 25 players you can’t have the same relationship. We’ve had differences, that’s normal. We’ve resolved them in the best way possible. We’ve shown each other respect, and the opportunity came when it came. For me, the important thing is always how you deal with it, with what happens to you. And I’ve dealt with it in the best way possible, thinking about Real Madrid. I’ve thought more about Real Madrid than myself these past few months, but I’ve done what’s best for the club. At another club it would have been different, but it was what I had to do. There’s no room for regrets.”
Arbeloa on how he managed his time at the club
“I did what I believed in, not because I was forced to.”
Arbeloa on his conversations with the players
“Almost all of them have helped me grow as a coach and as a person. I’ve had relationships with all of them, we’ve had conversations, sometimes we’ve agreed, sometimes we haven’t. The good thing is that I’ve been where they are, I’ve been through those situations, I understand them. Often, their perspective is different from that of a coach. It’s easier for me to put myself in their shoes than it is for them to put themselves in mine. I leave with immense gratitude; they’ve made me a better person, they’ve made me enjoy every day. I’m very grateful to the club for the opportunity, I leave grateful after these eight years, leaving behind many friends. I hope I can return someday.”
