Arbeloa hits back at Flick after Atlético rout, tells reporters to ask Barcelona | OneFootball

Arbeloa hit back at Flick a day after Barcelona’s 4-0 defeat at Atlético, returning the jab in the wake of the rout.

According to El Periódico Mediterráneo, before the game Flick was asked about Barcelona’s straightforward Copa run without a top-flight opponent, and replied that questions should be directed to Real Madrid, citing their bruising exit at Carlos Belmonte to Segunda side Albacete.

The day after the Metropolitano thrashing, and two days after Flick’s remark, Arbeloa, debuting as Real Madrid coach, declined to assess the 4-0 and told journalists to ask Barcelona and Flick. He mirrored his counterpart’s phrasing, later noting he is new to the seat but not to Real Madrid.

Barcelona’s setback has exposed a vulnerability Madrid aim to exploit in La Liga, with one point between them, starting on Saturday at 21.00 against a Real Sociedad unbeaten in 11 since Pellegrino Matarazzo took charge. The visitors arrive buoyant after a Copa win at San Mamés.

Kylian Mbappé is available, as is Dani Carvajal. The captain is unhappy with limited minutes, only two brief cameos since returning from injury over a month ago, with academy full-back David Jiménez preferred and starting against Valencia last week.

Arbeloa said Carvajal is improving, has trained strongly this week, and he most wants the defender at his best, adding that he is getting closer. He stressed no player should be content with reduced game time, speaking generally rather than solely about Carvajal, and said individual meetings are weekly but the collective comes first. He dismissed leaks from entourages and welcomed a squad dinner this week, pleased by the show of unity.

Source: El Periódico Mediterráneo