Real Madrid coach Álvaro Arbeloa spoke after his team secured a hard-fought 1-0 win over Sevilla at the Pizjuan to praise his side as he said, explaining his lack of movement on the touchline, “the Sevilla benches were comfortable, and I was comfortable. The team played a solid game on a field that’s always tough and against a great team. The guys were pretty clear on what they had to do, and we controlled the game the whole time. I’m happy about the three points.”
Arbeloa on next week’s season-ending game at the Bernabéu
“I don’t know… we’ll see if they reschedule the match or not. I’m not sure about the situation with Athletic, whether there could be multiple draws. We’ll wait and see how the day goes, plan the week, organize training sessions, and figure out which players are available, since a few have picked up minor injuries. It’s the last game… a day of goodbyes too… surely for some player. So… well, try to play a great game in front of our fans, enjoy every minute in this jersey. And well, for my part too.”
Arbeloa on Mbappé and Vini
“I’m very satisfied with everyone. With the effort. We’re well aware that we haven’t met the goals we set and that we always want to improve. I’ve been here four months, and I think both of them have tried to give their best. Each one, well, with their own difficulties, the ones they’ve run into. It’s been a tough four months for everyone, including them. But they’re two players any team in the world would want. If they could… if they could, anyone would have them on their teams. They’re two of the five most game-changing players in the world, for sure. Real Madrid is lucky to have both of them. Today it was Vini’s turn to score a goal, but Kylian did a great job and it’s a shame he wasn’t able to score one too. Let’s see if he has better luck next weekend.”
Arbeloa on knocks
“Yes… Vini had to come off with a niggle. Aurélien wasn’t 100% today either. Dean… took a knock. Well, we’ll see how the week goes and if we can get them back for the weekend. And well, depending on the players we have… if not, you know the youth team can also give us a hand, as was the case with Leiva here today in Seville; another young player. So… congratulations to him and the youth team for the work they’re doing.”
Arbeloa on whether there are any new serious injuries
“No… no, no. Ah, no, no. I think they’re just minor niggles. And that there’s nothing of great importance.”
Arbeloa on Spanish players
“They all played well; they’re four great players. Real Madrid has always been known for having the best players in Spain. And well, in this case, the four of them are… what can I say. Dean had a great game. Carva, another 90 minutes, I think at a high level, playing a very solid game. Thiago too, contributing as always. Fran. Well, I’m very happy with them. And Gonzalo and Raúl didn’t play today. We have a great group of Spanish players, many of them young, with a bright future. We’re very happy to have them at Real Madrid.”
