Arbeloa talks Mbappe, Courtois, Manuel Angel, Pintus ahead of Real Madrid vs Elche | OneFootball

Real Madrid lock horns with Elche on Saturday night in La Liga, aiming to stay in touch with league leaders FC Barcelona.

The Merengues are four points behind Barça, who play Sevilla on Sunday, meaning they can cut down the gap to one point.

What is clear is that Real Madrid cannot afford to slip up either way and ensure that they continue to put pressure on the reigning champions.

Ahead of the game at the Santiago Bernabeu, Real Madrid manager Alvaro Arbeloa addressed the media in his press conference, discussing various issues, including Kylian Mbappe’s fitness.

There have been talks of Arbeloa possibly rotating his troops keeping an eye on next week’s Champions League clash against Manchester City. However, the manager dismissed those claims, stating:

“Tomorrow we’ll field our best possible eleven to win. I’m not thinking about anything else. The players have to leave every match exhausted; it’s their job. It’s not easy, that’s why they’re here. They have to be prepared to fight like they did on Wednesday.” 

Issuing an update on Mbappe, Arbeloa confirmed the Frenchman will miss the Elche clash but could return for the trip to Manchester.

“He’s getting better every day, his recovery is progressing as it should. We made a plan, it depends on his progress, but I see him doing very well. He won’t be available tomorrow, but I’m confident he’ll travel to Manchester,” he said.

“I want him to be able to go to Manchester, we’ll see how he is. We’ll decide on Sunday. Hopefully he can be there, then we’ll discuss it with France.”

The former defender was full of praise for veteran goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois, saying: “I’ve played with some of the best goalkeepers in the world, some of whom have been considered the best in history.

“But what Courtois does, I haven’t seen from anyone else. There’s no debate, he’s surely the best goalkeeper in Real Madrid’s history. In my opinion.” 

When the topic of rotations was broached again, Arbeloa replied: “I only have players who raise their hands to play.

“We have nothing else on our minds but winning tomorrow; they’ll have more energy in their legs than we do. We’re made of different stuff, and we have to show it.” 

Arbeloa not thinking of rotation. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)

Talking about youngster Manuel Angel, who could start his first game for Real Madrid tomorrow, Arbeloa had nothing but praise, as he said:

“His size is the size of his heart. I’ve been very lucky to play with wonderful players; I’ve been a European and World champion with players who weren’t even 1.70 meters tall. And they were sensational.

“I’m aware that football is like this now, but he won’t have any problems becoming an elite player. He’s ambidextrous, he can play on either wing… I’m not going to say he’s my favorite, which he is, I really believe in him.

“He did very well, he has a lot of work ahead of him. I hope he can continue to show how good he is.” 

On whether the 3-0 win over Manchester City this week will serve to dispel the doubts about him at Real Madrid, Arbeloa said:

“I don’t bask in praise; I know that the next time I stumble, I’ll be viewed with doubt again. It’s normal; it’s not about me, it’s about being in this position. The pressure is high.

“People who have won several Champions Leagues here have faced criticism, often incomprehensible to me. It’s nothing new to me, it doesn’t surprise me. I’m only thinking about beating Elche and making sure my players are fit and bring us joy.” 

The manager also touched upon the work being done by fitness coach Antonio Pintus and what he brought to the table, saying:

“Everyone does their own analysis. All I can say about Pintus is that he’s an exceptional professional; it’s a privilege to have him by my side. We’re going to continue working with him, and hopefully we can keep going like this for the sequels.” 

Concluding, Arbeloa spoke in detail about the mental switch from matches in the Champions League to that in La Liga, saying:

“It’s complicated, of course. You have to ensure your own standards match the other team’s motivation. We certainly won’t see the same Elche as in previous matches, and that’s normal; they’re coming to the Bernabeu.

“That’s why it’s so difficult to be a Real Madrid player, to have a winning mentality. We have to give our all, we’re aware of that. We have to make an extra effort. There are no doubts or excuses for not playing a great match.” 

Source: AS