Arbeloa talks Mbappe, Vinicius, Bellingham, Militao, Camavinga, Barcelona ahead of Real Madrid vs Girona

Following back-to-back defeats against Mallorca and Bayern Munich, Real Madrid will aim to return to winning ways when they face Girona in La Liga on Friday night.

The defeat to Mallorca last weekend has left Los Blancos seven points behind league leaders Barcelona, and there is simply no more room for error for Alvaro Arbeloa & co.

Moreover, the Spanish capital club will also be keen on building some momentum heading into their UEFA Champions League quarter-final second leg against Bayern Munich next week, where they will need to mount a major comeback.

Ahead of the game at the Santiago Bernabeu, Real Madrid manager Alvaro Arbeloa addressed the media in the pre-match press conference, discussing several topics, including the team’s recent losses.

“I’m eager to compete at home in front of our fans, knowing that we need to go for the three points and play a great game. I’m really looking forward to it,” the manager said talking about the game against Girona.

On being asked whether some players like Kylian Mbappe are not motivated enough for all games, he replied:

“It’s not just Mbappe; I want players who want to be Real Madrid players every single day. It’s important to want to be yourself, beyond talent and quality.

“You can’t play Champions League quarter-finals and highly motivated matches every day; that’s where self-discipline comes in. It goes beyond the talent they possess. We want them to feel they have to shine when they play against Girona tomorrow.

“That’s what we need. For them to be themselves every day and be willing to give their best. It’s not easy, but that’s what we need. For their motivation to be giving their absolute best.”

Regarding the level of motivation in the squad and if the players were lacking it at any point, the manager said:

“No, not at all. I’m not one to go into a tactical breakdown of what we’re looking for here. What’s important is wanting to go out there with a great attitude, a great commitment.

“The talent is there, and that’s wonderful. But to win games, talent alone isn’t enough. Occasionally, yes, but if we want to be consistent, we need more than just talent.”

Arbeloa insists lack of motivation was not an issue for his players. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)

On the same lines, Arbeloa was asked if it is hard for him to get the players excited and motivated for the Girona match. In response, he said:

“They’re the ones who want to play the most. More than me. Any Real Madrid player, when they don’t win and something like this happens, would want to play the next day.

“I’ve spoken with many of them and they’re willing, available, and eager to give the fans and ourselves a great game.”

As for their situation in La Liga and whether there was no more margin for error, he acknowledged:

“We are aware that every match is very important. Now we have less margin for error. If we have no options, we will continue fighting just the same. We know who we represent and the demands that come with it. We are prepared to face it.”

At some point during the game against Bayern Munich, there were some boos and whistles directed at Vinicius Jr. by the Real Madrid faithful. On whether he thought they were unfair, Arbeloa remarked:

“You already know what I think of Vinicius. What he means to me as a coach, as a Real Madrid fan, and the performance he’s delivering. For me, it would be a privilege, and I hope to play every match I have at the Bernabeu.

“The boos are part of the demands of these fans. I see it as normal and natural. Others might notice a tense atmosphere. If there’s one thing we’re feeling, it’s the support of our fans. We can’t ask for anything more.

“If the team showed character and had the chances they did, it was because of how the Bernabeu crowd pushed them. I hope to have the opportunity to play at the Bernabeu. All the players feel the same way.”

If he plans to make rotations to the team against Girona, Arbeloa said: “Tomorrow I want to go out and win. Despite the result, I still believe I fielded my best players in Mallorca.

“I’m not thinking about rotations. Tomorrow’s match is the most important one I have as a coach. I’ll field a team that’s up to the task.”

On whether he has plans to test out and experiment any tactical variations before the second leg against Bayern, Arbeloa replied:

“We’re not in the mood for experiments. We’re eager for the Munich match to arrive. From the moment the whistle blew, we wanted to see what we’re capable of at the Allianz Arena.

“But first, we have to focus on tomorrow. We’ll have to play a great game. We have four days to recover, and everyone’s mind is on giving their best. That’s the only objective: to field a top-class team and play a fantastic match.”

Arbeloa also confirmed two starters for tomorrow’s game, while also revealing that a player will return from injury.

“Militao and Bellingham will start. Mendy will get some playing time,” he said.

Talking about what Militao brings to the table in the Real Madrid defence, Arbeloa explained:

“When Militao is fit, he’s undoubtedly the best in the world. Physically, he’s a dominant player, excellent in one-on-one situations, covers a lot of ground in open play, and has a very powerful aerial game.

“He also has great ball distribution, a great mentality, character, and leadership. His importance to the team is undeniable. It’s a privilege to have a player like him.”

Arbeloa confirmed Militao will start vs Girona. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)

On the matter of Eduardo Camavinga, who had a forgettable outing against Mallorca last weekn, Arbeloa noted:

“Camavinga has played quite a bit for me. More than in the first part of the season. He started and will start again tomorrow. I consider him important for me and for the club.

“He has shown many times what kind of player he is and has the confidence of everyone at the club and, of course, the coach.”

Regarding the Frenchman’s statements about wanting to play more and contribute more to the team, the manager added:

“It’s good that he’s feeling this way. Every coach asks different things of him. He has a privileged physique, excellent ball control. He has great qualities.

“I’m happy with his performance. I want him to improve, to understand what we ask of him on the field. He will continue to be important in the future.”

After controversies involving the referee in the UCL game between Barcelona and Atletico Madrid last night, Arbeloa was asked about his thoughts on the differences in officiating between La Liga and the European competition.

In response, Arbeloa, who has been vocal about the Negreira scandal in the past, said: “You all know my opinion about what has happened for so many years and continues to happen. I am not going to change my mind.”

On being asked if Barcelona’s complaints were justified, he added: “I don’t want to get into that kind of assessment. We’ve already seen what happened last weekend and what continues to happen for many weeks.

“My opinion is there and I stand by it; it’s what I keep seeing week after week.”

On whether he trusts the referees, Arbeloa remarked: “It’s not about trusting or distrusting. It’s what we’re seeing. It happened on Tuesday with the tackle on Mbappé; it’s hard to understand why it wasn’t a red card.

“It’s even happening with VAR, which seemed like it was going to solve a lot of things. In Spain, we’re still waiting for an explanation, and we need to fix it.

“There are a lot of doubts surrounding all these kinds of decisions. One week VAR intervenes, the next it doesn’t. I try to focus on my job as a coach.”

Source: AS