Real Madrid head coach Alvaro Arbeloa appeared before the media to talk about the game against Real Oviedo on Thursday night. He was asked about Florentino Perez’s press conference from Tuesday, to which he said: “I’m not here to comment on the president’s press conference. Every Madrid fan agrees that we must defend the interests of Real Madrid. We’re treated differently from other clubs around the world. We’re aware of the pressure; if this club has one strength, it’s its members. Nobody is going to tell us how to think, how we should be, or how to act.”
Arbeloa on the game on Thursday
“The league title has already slipped through our fingers, and we accept the responsibility of playing in front of our fans. We have to show that we deserve to wear this badge.”
Arbeloa on ‘stolen league titles’
“Of course. We all know what’s happened over the last 20 years, as far as we know. There will be things we don’t know. It would be good if the Negreira case were resolved. Clearly, it’s neither legal nor does it make sense to those of us involved in football. It seems unbelievable that only football defends legality. It’s a feeling shared by all Madrid fans.”
Arbeloa on whether he would vote for Florentino Perez
“I’m not a member, so… I’m not going to vote. I’ve known Real Madrid without Florentino. I know what it was like before he arrived, and I know what it’s been like these past 26 years. I’ll stick with these 26 years. Real Madrid fans have realized what Florentino has done, beyond the titles. If anyone can turn this situation around, it’s Florentino Pérez.”
Arbeloa on the fear of fans not focusing on the game
“I’ve always said that Real Madrid is stronger when its fans and the team are united. That’s how it’s been throughout history; we’re a family. We always come back, Real Madrid always comes back. The demands are very high; we’re never satisfied. Losing hurts, more than for other clubs. We’ll win again with the support of our fans. There are double standards; they’ve always been there. We’ve gone two years without titles, while others have gone many more. How many clubs have won as many Champions Leagues as we have? And the club’s stability is being questioned. But the members aren’t stupid; they understand, and this mistreatment hurts them.”
Arbeloa on Kylian Mbappé
“We’ll see if he can finish the session today. He did yesterday. If he’s available and can complete it, he’ll surely get playing time to show his commitment to the club and, despite those four yellow cards, try to play in these remaining three matches.”
Arbeloa on Dani Carvajal missing from the Spain squad
“I haven’t spoken to him about the preliminary squad, which is a shame, I’d always have him on my team. We have to respect other coaches’ opinions, but it’s a pity he’s not representing the national team. He rejoined the group yesterday, so I understand he’ll be available. Hopefully, he can finish the season strong by getting some playing time.”
Arbeloa on his future
“I understand the questions, but please respect my decision to focus on the match. I’ll be able to answer them once the league season is over. Right now, it’s time to think about Oviedo.
“I understand the doubts; I would have the same doubts if I were there. But my philosophy is not to look out for myself, but for what’s best for Real Madrid.”
Arbeloa on only one Real Madrid player in Spain’s NT
“There are several Spaniards on the roster, and it’s the national team coach who decides. Real Madrid has always had many representatives in Spain; I was one of them and had a great time with other teammates. The coach decides. I support my teammates; they’ve had a season where they’ve shown the kind of players they are. Every coach has their preferences and looks for something specific for their team. I have the utmost respect for De la Fuente.”
Arbeloa on whether Mbappé’s given his 100% this season
“Of course, I couldn’t think otherwise. Otherwise, I wouldn’t know where I am. This club is a blessing for all of us. We know what it’s like to be away from Madrid, and my players need to be aware of how lucky they are. They’ll be remembered for the rest of their lives for having played for Madrid. Madrid leaves a deep mark on you, it gives you so much. Madrid does more for us than anyone else could ever do for the club.”
Arbeloa on defending his players
“I understand the criticism of the decisions I make. Many times I say what I think, and other times I say what I have to. But that’s how I relate to the players; that’s how I’ve done it in the youth academy as well. A coach has to be a shield for his players. When I’m with them, I say things I shouldn’t say here. Always with respect. I’ve been demanding, I’ve pushed them, I’ve given them my perspective on what to improve, what we did well, what we did wrong… I wouldn’t change how I’ve defended my players here.”
Arbeloa on whether he is surprised by ‘hitting rock bottom’
“I found it surprising… What are the other clubs doing then? We haven’t gone 50 years without winning anything. It’s clear that if Real Madrid is where it is, it’s because of its high standards and its constant drive to improve. I don’t know if anyone here dares to say that Real Madrid won’t win anything next year. I don’t. I don’t understand this feeling of institutional instability, of a divided dressing room… Real Madrid has been doing many things right for a long time; it’s financially sound, well-managed, with great players, and I’m sure that in the summer the club will do the necessary analysis to strengthen the team and make it even stronger. But this is sports; you don’t win the Champions League every year, or La Liga every year. With level-headedness and high standards, Real Madrid will win again, I’m sure of it.”
Arbeloa on whether players are being more cautious on the pitch due to the World Cup
“It hasn’t happened to me, and I hope it never will. I’ve been very careful with the players; in 95% of cases, I’ve tried not to take risks, gradually increasing their playing time when they were coming back from injury. It’s easier to do the opposite; we have a lot at stake, and you want the best players on the field. But I’ve always looked after everyone, and I’m going to continue doing so. I’d like everyone to finish the season playing. I don’t think anyone will ever be unwilling to put in a hard tackle because they’re thinking about the World Cup. We have a lot to prove in these three matches.”
