Real Madrid coach Álvaro Arbeloa spoke before the UEFA Champions League play-off second leg game against Benfica at the Bernabéu to defend his star man Vinícius Júnior, as he said, “he has always shown
a lot of courage and character. Anyone in his situation… I don’t know how I would react. He has always been brave, that has always been his response and it always will be, because he is a fighter. And tomorrow he will go out and fight. To prove that he is one of the best footballers on the planet.”
Arbeloa on what he expects to see tomorrow
“Something very similar to what we saw in Lisbon. That’s what I want and hope for. It will be a very special match, a great Champions League night at the Bernabéu, knowing how important the fans are in these kinds of matches. And thinking about going through and winning.”
Arbeloa on Prestianni’s suspension
“We haven’t discussed it in the dressing room and my opinion is the same: we have an opportunity to strike a blow against racism. UEFA has always flown the flag for this fight and has the chance to strike a blow.”
Arbeloa on the dressing room’s thoughts on Prestianni
“No, we’re very focused on the match. On performing at a high level, on projecting a great image. On winning. And we’re putting all our energy and effort into that. The rest… is not our concern. It’s not up to us to make those decisions, but to UEFA.”
Arbeloa on Courtois’ comments about Mourinho
“I think the same as I said last week, here and in Lisbon: Vini scored a very nice goal, a great goal. And nothing he can do, or has done, justifies an act of racism. I said it and I’ll say it again: that’s the most important thing. Nothing justifies an act of racism.”
Arbeloa on extra motivation in the dressing room
“There’s a lot of enthusiasm. A lot of excitement to enjoy a great Champions League night at the Bernabéu, because we know the atmosphere that is and will be created. We’ve got a lot at stake. People often say ‘this is a final’, and it’s going to be. Whoever wins will go through. All our desire and energy.”
Arbeloa on Joan Laporta’s criticism of Real Madrid
“As you say: I’m not going to comment on the words of the candidate Laporta. For me, the biggest scandal is that the ‘Negreira case’, three years on, is still unresolved.”
Arbeloa on Vinícius
“He’s doing very well, he’s really eager. He’s very motivated for this type of match. Since I arrived, he’s been performing extremely well. He’s making a difference. We want to get the most out of him, so that he can have opportunities to show his full potential. And then… he has a lot of character, he’s a leader. We need him to have another great game tomorrow.”
Arbeloa on Mbappé
“Ready to play tomorrow, which is the most important thing right now. It’s been several weeks… everyone knows that, but I want to highlight his effort and commitment. He tries to help us on the pitch. He’s a game-changer and defenders know that he can decide a match at any moment. He’s ready for tomorrow and I’m sure he’ll have a great game.”
Arbeloa on whether Mbappé should be more of a centre-forward
“I don’t think his problem is scoring goals. Neither scoring nor how he does it. You make decisions on the pitch and if I had to highlight his qualities, he’s very intelligent. He knows very well where to move. There will be times to create inside the area and others outside. But Kylian knows exactly what he has to do on the pitch and you only have to look at his numbers to understand that he does it well.”
Arbeloa on Benfica being weaker without Mourinho on the bench
“Just as the team is focused on playing a great game, so am I. It won’t be the first time in Mourinho’s career that he hasn’t been on the bench, and his teams have always performed well. I expect a great team tomorrow, with some adjustments after the first leg. I hope we see a great game, a great spectacle… and that Madrid wins.”
