Arbeloa talks Rodrygo, Mastantuono, Brahim, Fran Garcia, Negreira ahead of Valencia vs Real Madrid | OneFootball

Real Madrid will embark on a trip to Mestalla tomorrow as they gear up for a crucial La Liga encounter against Valencia, hoping to grab all three points.

Alvaro Arbeloa & co. are under intense pressure, with performances and results not going their way. Their last game against Rayo Vallecano ended in a 2-1 win, thanks to a very late penalty from Kylian Mbappe.

Real Madrid are currently only one point behind Barcelona in the league standings, but the gap could widen to four as the Blaugrana play Mallorca today.

Ahead of the game, manager Alvaro Arbeloa spoke to the media in the pre-match press conference, addressing several topics, including Barcelona’s exit from the European Super League.

Kicking things off, the Real Madrid manager touched upon the difficulty of facing Valencia, saying:

“We’re very aware of how difficult tomorrow’s match will be. It’s a tough game, both because of the atmosphere and because of the quality of Valencia’s team. We have to give our best if we want to get the three points.”

Elaborating on Real Madrid’s struggles at Mestalla, he added: “Valencia always has a great team, great squads, players, coaches…

“Valencia is a city where we feel very loved by the Real Madrid fans. But beating Real Madrid is one of the biggest challenges of the year for every team.”

Talking about the availability of players and the side that he plans to pick, Arbeloa noted:

“I have all the players available and I’ll use them in the best way I see fit to win the match.

“My goal is to choose the player who can give us the best performance against the opponent we’re facing, and we have many players who can play in several positions.”

There was a lot of noise surrounding Arbeloa’s decision to give his players two days off from training this week, after the Rayo Vallecano game. Explaining the decision, he said:

“For me, it’s very easy to answer. Planning is about organizing ourselves to face the week in the best way possible and preparing the players. You already know how important Pintus is to us, and no one questions these plans.

“In my first 20 days, the players had two days off. I don’t know if you think that’s a lot or a little. It’s been a very busy week.”

Talking about Barcelona’s withdrawal from the Super League, and the statements of former Barça president Joan Gaspar against Real Madrid over the Negreira case, he said:

“Regarding the Negreira case, I think no one understands why the biggest scandal in Spanish football remains unresolved. I believe that should worry many people.”

Under pressure. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)

Regarding the team’s position now compared to when he took over three weeks ago, he elaborated:

“It’s all about hard work. I already explained it here. Big teams have to do many things right to win. We have to be able to develop automatic responses, to all think the same way… That can only be achieved through hard work and putting in the hours.

“This week we’ve focused on continuing to improve in all aspects of the game. We’re far from reaching our full potential.”

Arbeloa then talked about some individual players, starting with Franco Mastantuono, who has been his preferred starter on the right flank.

“He’s a young lad who arrived at Real Madrid very early, with tremendous potential and the ability to play on the wing and beat defenders. He’s powerful, has great dribbling skills, works hard, and brings intensity to the game,” he said.

“Getting to Real Madrid isn’t easy, but you can see his abilities right away. I’m very happy with his work and commitment.”

Regarding Brahim Diaz and his lack of minutes, Arbeloa added: “He has the ability to play centrally, between the lines, and link up with teammates…

“He’s a very talented player, and it depends on what the game requires. He can be useful in different positions and in different situations.”

Addressing the reports of Real Madrid blocking Fran Garcia’s January loan move to Bournemouth, he stated:

“He’s an exceptional guy, giving 100% every single day. As his coach, I love to emphasize that. His attitude and mentality are always exemplary; he represents the Real Madrid badge very well, and I’m very proud to have him.”

Concluding, Arbeloa briefly touched on Rodrygo, who was sent off against Benfica, and is currently injured, saying:

“He has already issued a statement of remorse. He knows he made a mistake, and from there, the goal is to get him back as soon as possible and in the best possible condition so he can help us in the way he knows how.”

Source: AS