Arbeloa talks Mbappe, Carvajal, Mourinho, Perez, Negreira case ahead of Real Madrid vs Real Oviedo | OneFootball

Real Madrid will look to get back to winning ways when they lock horns with Real Oviedo on Thursday night in La Liga at the Santiago Bernabeu.

The Merengues are coming into the game on the back of a 2-0 defeat to FC Barcelona in El Clasico at the Spotify Camp Nou, which allowed the Catalans to be crowned La Liga champions with still three matchdays left.

This would also be the team’s first game since the dressing room fight between Aurelien Tchouameni and Federico Valverde, while Florentino Perez’s press conference on Tuesday has done little to ease the tense atmosphere around the club.

Given the situation, a hostile reception could be in store for the Real Madrid camp when they show up tomorrow at the Santiago Bernabeu.

Ahead of the game tomorrow, manager Alvaro Arbeloa addressed the media in his pre-match press conference, discussing several matters of importance, including the availability of superstar Kylian Mbappe.

On Perez’s presser and fan reception

“The league title has already slipped away from us, we accept the responsibility of playing in front of our fans. We have to show that we deserve to wear this badge,” Arbeloa kicked off.

Regarding the possibility of tension in the stadium and the fans welcoming the players with boos and whistles on the night, the Real Madrid boss explained:

“I’ve always said that Real Madrid is stronger when its fans and the team are united. That’s how it’s been throughout history; we’re a family. We always come back, Real Madrid always comes back. The demands are very high; we’re never satisfied.

“Losing hurts, more than for other clubs. We’ll win again with the support of our fans. We’ve gone two years without titles, while others have gone many more.

“How many clubs have won as many Champions Leagues as we have? And the club’s stability is being questioned. But the members aren’t stupid; they understand, and this mistreatment hurts them.”

Regarding Florentino Perez’s press conference, during which he claimed there was a campaign against him and Real Madrid, Arbeloa remarked:

“I’m not here to comment on the president’s press conference. Every Madrid fan agrees that we must defend the interests of Real Madrid. We are treated differently from other clubs around the world.

“We are aware of the demands placed upon us; if this club has one strength, it’s its members. Nobody is going to tell us how to think, how we should be, or how to act.” 

Arbeloa stood by Florentino Perez’s claims. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)

On Perez’s comments on the Negreira case and the dossier that Real Madrid are planning to send to UEFA, he added:

 “Of course. We all know what has happened over the past 20 years, as far as we know. There will be things we don’t know. It would be good if the Negreira Case were resolved.

“Clearly, it’s neither legal nor does it make sense to those of us involved in football. It seems unbelievable that only football defends legality. It’s a feeling shared by all Madrid fans.”

On the team

Arbeloa then provided an update on the availability of superstar forward Kylian Mbappe, who missed the Clasico due to some discomfort, but was back training normally on Tuesday.

“We’ll see if he can finish the session today. He did yesterday. If he’s available and can complete, he’ll certainly get some playing time to show his commitment to the club and, despite those four yellow cards, try to play in these three remaining matches,” he said.

On whether Mbappe has been totally committed to the club, Arbeloa added: “Of course he did, I couldn’t think otherwise. Otherwise, he wouldn’t know where he is. This club is a blessing for all of us.

“We know what it’s like to be away from Madrid, and my players need to be aware of how lucky they are. They’ll be remembered for the rest of their lives for having played for Madrid.

“Madrid leaves a big mark on you, it gives you so much. Madrid does more for us than anyone else could ever do for the club.” 

Arbeloa also touched upon captain Dani Carvajal’s exclusion from the Spain squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with the right-back not even making the cut for the 55-man preliminary roster that was announced earlier this week.

“I haven’t spoken to him about the preliminary squad, it’s a shame, I would always have him on my team. We have to respect the opinions of other coaches, but it’s a pity he’s not representing the national team.

“He rejoined the group yesterday, so I understand he’ll be available. Hopefully, he can finish the season strong by getting some playing time.”

On the fact that only one player from Real Madrid is likely to be in the Spain squad for the tournament in the summer, Arbeloa elaborated:

“There are several Spaniards on the roster, and it’s the coach who decides. Real Madrid have always had many representatives in Spain; I was one of them and had a great time with other teammates. The coach decides.

“I support my players; they’ve had a season where they’ve shown the kind of players they are. Every coach has their preferences and looks for something specific for their team. I have the utmost respect for De la Fuente.” 

Regarding the demands he has placed of the players in the dressing room, Arbeloa remarked:

“I understand the criticism of the decisions I make. Many times I say what I think, and other times I say what I have to. But that’s how I relate to the players; that’s how I’ve done it in the youth academy as well. A coach has to be a shield for his players.

“When I’m with them, I say things I shouldn’t say here. Always with respect. I’ve been demanding, I’ve pushed them, I’ve given them my perspective on what to improve, what we did well, what we did wrong. I wouldn’t change how I’ve defended my players here.” 

Mbappe could be back for Real Oviedo clash. (Photo by Fran Santiago/Getty Images)

On whether he fears that players might withdraw from matches with an eye on the World Cup, Arbeloa responded:

“It hasn’t happened to me, and I hope it doesn’t. I’ve been very careful with the players; in 95% of cases, I’ve tried not to take risks, gradually increasing their playing time when they were coming back from injury.

“It’s easier to do the opposite; we have a lot at stake, and you want the best players on the field. But I’ve always looked after everyone, and I’m going to continue doing so. I’d like everyone to finish the season playing.

“I don’t think the situation will arise where anyone hesitates to commit because they’re thinking about the World Cup. We have a lot to prove in these three matches.” 

On the state of the team and the future

When asked whether Real Madrid have hit rock-bottom in their ongoing campaign, the manager responded by launching a staunch defence of the club, saying:

“I’m surprised… What are the other clubs doing then? We haven’t gone 50 years without winning anything. It’s clear that if Real Madrid is where it is, it’s because of its high standards and its constant drive to improve.

“I don’t know if anyone here dares to say that Real Madrid won’t win anything next year. I don’t. I don’t understand this feeling of institutional instability, of a divided dressing room…

“Real Madrid have been doing many things right for a long time, it’s financially sound, well-managed, with great players, and I’m sure that in the summer the club will do the necessary analysis to strengthen the team and make it even stronger.

“But this is sport; you don’t win the Champions League every year, or La Liga. With level-headedness and high standards, Real Madrid will win again, I’m sure of it.” 

On whether he will be a part of Jose Mourinho’s coaching staff if he is appointed the next manager of Real Madrid, Arbeloa said:

“I understand the questions, but please respect my decision to focus on the match. Once the league season is over, I’ll be able to answer those questions. Now it’s time to think about Oviedo.” 

Talking about his plans for the future, he added: “I understand the doubts; I would have the same doubts if I were there. But my philosophy is not to look out for myself, but for what is best for Real Madrid.”

With Perez calling for early presidential elections, Arbeloa was asked if he would vote for him, to which the manager replied:

“I’m not a member, so… I’m not going to vote. I’ve known Real Madrid without Florentino. I know what it was like before he arrived and I know what it’s been like these past 26 years. I’ll stick with these 26 years.

“Real Madrid fans have realized what Florentino has done, beyond the titles. If there’s anyone capable of turning this situation around, it’s Florentino Perez.”

Source: AS