Real Madrid coach Álvaro Arbeloa spoke to the media ahead of Sunday’s match against Valencia, being asked in particular about the ongoing Negreira case, as he said, “I think no one understands why the biggest scandal in Spanish football remains unresolved, I think that should concern many people”.
Arbeloa on which players are returning from injury
“I’ll see tomorrow. We’re very aware of how difficult tomorrow’s match will be. It’s a tough game, because of the atmosphere and because of the team Valencia always field. We have to give our best if we want to get the three points.”
Arbeloa on whether returning players will help him use players in their best positions
“I have all the players at my disposal and I will use them in the way I think is best to win the match. My aim is to think about which player can give us the best performance against the opposition we are facing, and we have many players who can play in various positions.”
Arbeloa on giving players two days of rest
“For me, it’s very easy to answer. Planning is about organising ourselves to face the week in the best possible way and preparing the players. You know how important Pintus is to us, and no one doubts these plans. In my first 20 days, the players had two days off. I don’t know if that seems like a lot or a little to you. It’s been a very busy week.”
Arbeloa on progress in his three weeks in charge
“We’re working. I already explained it here. Big teams have to do a lot of things right to win. We have to be able to think automatically, all think the same way… That can only be achieved by working hard and putting in the hours. This week we’ve focused on continuing that improvement in all aspects of the game. We’re far from our ceiling.”
Arbeloa on fitness improvements
“It’s always difficult to talk about percentages and what can be improved. Time is what it is and we’re going to give it our all to get the best out of the players, so that they’re increasingly clear about what they have to do on the pitch. We’ll keep working.”
Arbeloa on whether anyone from the club has spoken to him about his decisions
Arbeloa on Franco Mastantuono
“He’s a young guy who has come to Real Madrid at a very young age, with a lot of potential and the ability to play out wide and get past players. He’s powerful, he can dribble, he works hard, he brings intensity to the game… Coming to Madrid isn’t easy, but you can see his abilities straight away. I’m very happy with his work and his commitment.”
Arbeloa on Brahim’s best position
“He has the ability to play centrally, between the lines, link up with others… He’s a very talented lad and it depends on what the game demands. He can be useful to us in different positions and in different scenarios.”
Arbeloa on Fran García’s potential exit
“He’s an exceptional lad, he’s working 100% every day. As a coach, that’s something I love to highlight. His attitude and mentality are always an example, he represents the Real Madrid badge very well and I’m proud to have him.”
Arbeloa on Rodrygo’s sending off in Lisbon
“He has already issued a statement of regret. He knows he made a mistake and from there we need to get him back as soon as possible and in the best possible condition so that he can help us as he knows how to do.”
