Arbeloa talks Vinicius, Bellingham, Ancelotti, Perez, fans ahead of Real Madrid vs AS Monaco | OneFootball

Having tasted his first win as Real Madrid head coach, Alvaro Arbeloa will be gunning to make it two when he leads the team against AS Monaco on Tuesday in his UEFA Champions League managerial debut.

Arbeloa’s stint, after replacing Xabi Alonso, has not been off to the easiest start. After all, Real Madrid lost his first game in charge against minnows Albacete in the Copa del Rey, crashing out of the competition.

Meanwhile, the win against Levante in La Liga on Saturday was marred by the whistles and boos directed at players, management, and the club from the home support at the Bernabeu.

Arbeloa now faces the challenge to turn things around and it will be anything but easy against Monaco, who have been inconsistent, but possess plenty of quality.

On Vinicius, fan whistles

Previewing the game in his pre-match press conference, the new Real Madrid head coach said:

“The team is doing well. They’re very eager. After Saturday’s victory, and knowing it’s a very important competition, winning tomorrow would bring us closer to that goal. We’re aware of its significance.”

The chat then quickly moved to Vinicius Jr., and how he had been targeted by fans with boos at the Bernabeu this past weekend, which prompted Kylian Mbappe to state that no single player must be targeted.

Giving his opinion, Arbeloa said: “Vini, what he wants, and what I hope and wish for, is the support of the Bernabeu for all his players, and above all, for Vinicius. He’s been writing his story for many years. He’s given us two magical Champions League titles.

“And he needs the Bernabeu to bring out his best. He has a huge heart and is very emotional. His football reflects that. As a coach, I would love to see the Bernabeu behind Vinicius and all the players.”

Arbeloa asks Real Madrid fans to stop booing Vinicius. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)

On being asked what the players like Vinicius and Jude Bellingham, who have been at the receiving end of these jeers, should do to win fans over, the manager said:

“Just like the other day. They ran, they worked hard, they were a game-changer. A very good second half, and that’s the Vini and Jude we want to see. They’re two of the best in the world. And they also need the fans to bring out their best.”

Regarding opinions that Real Madrid are severely lacking a creative midfielder in their ranks at the moment, Arbeloa explained:

“I’ve said from day one that I have an extraordinary squad. Being with them these past six days has made me realize they’re even better than I thought. I came here to fight for every title: La Liga and Champions League. We’ll do whatever it takes to fight for them.”

He then asked for fans to support the team through this, saying: “I’d love for the fans to be with us. When Real Madrid has won titles, it’s because the Bernabeu has been on their side.

“If you ask any opponent, they all talk about the atmosphere at the Bernabeu. That’s what we want. And we know it’s our job.”

On whether the entire situation could cause a rift within the Real Madrid locker room, Arbeloa replied:

“No, I see you’re very worried about the boos. I know what the Bernabéu crowd is like. I’ve told the players. If anyone’s fair, it’s the Bernabeu crowd. They want to see the style of play they like; we’re working on it.”

“We know they’ll be on our side. The fans want to see their team. We’re focused and really looking forward to playing tomorrow. We’re convinced of it,” he added, exuding confidence.

On Perez, Ancelotti

Arbeloa, on Saturday, stated that any fan who whistled at club president Florentino Perez during the Levante match, was not a true fan.

On being asked if he did not fear his comments upsetting club members, he replied:

“I’ll repeat what I said the other day. As a former youth player, as a player, and especially as a coach, I have immense respect for the fans and their right to express themselves however they see fit.”

Arbeloa is confident about turning things around. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)

Not stopping there, he went on to suggest that there were campaigns trying to hurt the team, saying:

“Booing weakens the team, weakens Real Madrid. I know there are campaigns to weaken Real Madrid and I know who’s behind them. They’re not going to fool me. “

On being asked to elaborate on the alleged ‘campaigns’, Arbeloa deflected, saying: “You are the journalists. I am the Real Madrid coach and I am focused on the match against Monaco.

“My goal is to play the best possible game and keep improving. That’s where I’m putting all my energy and enthusiasm.”

The Real Madrid manager also spoke about former coach Carlo Ancelotti, who was in attendance at the weekend for the game against Levante.

“I’m marking him absent; he didn’t even come to say hello,” Arbeloa joked.

“I expect him to come down this morning. I was one of his players. It was a privilege to be coached by him. By the most decorated coach. There’s not much more to say about him,” he added.

On Ancelotti’s past statement about Real Madrid players having to  “either run or make the difference”, Arbeloa noted:

“This badge demands effort. I’ve seen lads with exceptional attitudes. I’ve seen players press, pack the field, and fight tooth and nail.

“I have no doubt that effort is paramount for this badge. We’re going to try to be a team that gives its all, knowing the characteristics and roles of each player.”

Source: AS