Arbeloa talks Mbappe, Courtois, Bellingham, Thiago, Rudiger ahead of Real Madrid vs Atletico | OneFootball

Real Madrid will lock horns with neighbours Atletico Madrid on Sunday night in a must-win La Liga encounter at the Santiago Bernabeu.

The Merengues were hammered by Diego Simeone’s men in the reverse fixture in the league earlier this season. But Real Madrid did exact revenge by getting the better of Los Colchoneros in the Spanish Super Cup semifinal.

However, with the league derby upon them, Real Madrid cannot afford to drop any more points, considering that they are already four behind leaders Barcelona, who play Rayo Vallecano earlier on Sunday afternoon.

Ahead of the derby at the Bernabeu, Real Madrid boss Alvaro Arbeloa addressed the media in his press conference, discussing various topics, including Kylian Mbappe’s fitness and the injury to Thibaut Courtois.

Kicking things off, Arbeloa gave an insight into the team’s mentality and readiness heading into the derby, saying:

“Eagerness and excitement. It’s an important match because of what these three points represent, because of the fans, because of the excitement that’s been generated.

“It’s one of the best matches you can experience. I’m looking forward to seeing a Bernabeu packed and fully behind the team.” 

Thibaut Courtois suffered an adductor injury in the first half against Manchester City and is now out for six weeks, which comes as a huge blow for Real Madrid at a crucial stage of the season.

“There are risks every time I put a player on the field. Very few footballers go out there at 100%, without any discomfort. That’s normal. When he got to half-time, he wanted to keep playing, and it was me who decided to stop him,” said Arbeloa on the situation.

“Also because of the utmost confidence I have in Lunin. He’s a great goalkeeper, and he’s going to prove it. Here, the best goalkeeper in history gets injured, and we have another one. We’re not setting any deadlines.”

Fit and ready. (Photo by Juan Manuel Serrano Arce/Getty Images)

Talking about Mbappe and whether his knee has recovered fully, the manager explained:

“I already said that when he comes back, he’ll be 100%. In Manchester, he showed he’s in great shape, and his feelings… are the most important thing. We have complete confidence and guarantees, and we’re excited to have him back. He’s 100%.”

Thiago Pitarch has been a revelation for Real Madrid in recent weeks, becoming a regular in the starting XI. However, with Jude Bellingham on the verge of returning from injury, the teenager’s situation could be impacted. Discussing that, the manager said:

“When we get to that river, we’ll cross that bridge. Having Bellingham is excellent news, and Thiago’s performance has been great too. There are a lot of matches, and I love these kinds of problems. They can also play together…”

This season has been a strange one for Bellingham, with him being unable to nail down a definitive role in the team. When asked about what the Englishman’s role will be once he returns, Arbeloa replied:

“Here, we all attack and we all defend. We’ll find the best role for each player; that’s my job. When we don’t have the ball, there’s no other option but for all eleven of us to work together. It’s a collective mentality.

“I don’t see any problem with having truly great players. And if it happens, all the better.”

Antonio Rudiger seems to be slowly getting back to his best after a period of fitness issues. With his contract expiring at the end of the season, Arbeloa was asked if he would like to retain the German veteran next term.

“I don’t like to get involved in these matters; I have a lot of respect for both the club and the player, and both sides need to understand each other. But I’m willing to erect a statue of Rudiger. From day one, he’s made himself available to the staff,” he said.

Rudiger is out of contract in the summer. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)

“He told me that in March, when things get tough, he’d be available, and here he is. His treatment in London with Niko has been a blessing. And Real Madrid fans should be aware of how lucky we are to have him.”

When asked for his thoughts about Kylian Mbappe travelling to the USA with the French national team in the upcoming international break, Arbeloa replied:

“Fantastic. He’s available and he’s definitely going to play tomorrow. I don’t see any problem with him going.”

About Bellingham being called up by England despite him not having played since February, Arbeloa added: “I agree with it. He’s available.”

Regarding Atletico Madrid and how Simeone sees his team as the ‘team of the people’ Arbeloa remarked:

“Well, that sounds great to me. I’m focused on my own team. It’s a privilege to face him, because he’s the kind of coach who pushes you to your limits, who makes you think twice about every match. Anyway, it’s a privilege to face the best coaches in the world.”

Discussing the situation of club captain Dani Carvajal, who has barely played regularly since returning from injury back in January, Arbeloa explained:

“I have to think about Real Madrid, and that’s what I do, even when I play Carvajal. His presence is very important, beyond what happens on the pitch. He helps his teammates a lot.

“That’s what we need, a leader. Because either you’re a leader everywhere, or you’re not a leader at all.”

Concluding, Arbeloa touched upon the increase in the number of homegrown players at Real Madrid under him and whether it was marking a change of identity for the club, saying:

“Well… I already said it. The best players in the world play at this club, and it’s not easy to make these decisions. But if they play, it’s because of their merit. Because I believe in the players. I trust them.

“And it’s been shown that when Thiago, Palacios, Diego Aguado, or Manuel Angel the other day have played, they’ve done very well.” 

Source: AS