Arbeloa talks Vinicius, Mbappe, Bellingham, Brahim after Real Madrid 6-1 Monaco | OneFootball

Real Madrid smashed six goals past Monaco in the UEFA Champions League last night with Jude Bellingham, Vinicius Jr., and Kylian Mbappe all stepping up.

The game came as a much-improved display from Los Blancos, whose football has been nothing to cheer about in recent months, and a reminder to the dressing room that they are still one of the best in the world.

More importantly, it was a much-needed improvement to show the Santiago Bernabeu and earn back the supporters’ favour.

Arbeloa’s analysis

Speaking to the media after the game, Real Madrid manager Alvaro Arebloa thanked the fans for supporting the team last night and making it a special game at the Santiago Bernabeu.

Arbeloa praised the support from Santiago Bernabeu. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)

“When the Bernabeu is on our side, we are a great team and on all the big nights, the players do not care. We need a Bernabéu that is on our side.”

“We know that we have to be the first to play like today, to make an effort and to have brilliance.

“Very happy for a great night for the Bernabeu audience and for the Real Madrid players.”

Praising the players who excelled on the night, Arbeloa said,

“I saw how much the Bernabeu was devoted to Vini, Kylian Mbappe, to Jude Bellingham and to everyone.”

“Bellingham’s running was absolutely unbelievable. 

“Franco [Mastantuono], Arda [Guler], the youngsters, Fede [Valderde] and Camavinga are playing in positions that are not their natural positions and the effort they put in.

“As a coach, I’m very happy.”

Special mention of Vinicius

Arbeloa has nothing but praise for Vinicius. (Photo by Aitor Alcalde/Getty Images)

Taking a specific moment to praise Vinicius Jr and highlight the audience’s importance in getting the best out of the player, Arbeloa said,

“Vini Jr. is unstoppable when this stadium is with him and the most dangerous player there is. We need Vini Jr. if we want to fight for all the trophies.”

“He knows he has all my faith in him to show his football and the freedom and almost the obligation to bring out all the magic he has.

“He needs to feel loved by his people and his fans. He came here very young and he is very emotional,” he added.

The manager then spoke out against the hectic schedule and how he is not getting time to work with the players.

“There are a lot of games left and this week I have had more press conferences than training sessions. I miss having more time to work with the players.”

“Real Madrid goes beyond styles and tactical concepts, it is above all about character, mentality, ambition and effort. That’s Real Madrid and that’s the first step we have to take,” he added.

UCL favourites

Arbeloa was then asked if his team were favourites to win the UEFA Champions League.

“Real Madrid are always favourites for everything. This is their competition.

“There are some great teams and there is still a world left, but this is Real Madrid and they will always be favourites in this competition.”

When asked to give good thoughts on the work rate of the forwards, Arbeloa completely backed Mbappe and Vinicius and the efforts they delivered for the collective.

Arbeloa was happy with the team’s performance. (Photo by Aitor Alcalde/Getty Images)

“Whenever the team is together and high up, they’re the first ones to press, depending also on the opponents and the position of the team and the block.

Both Vini Jr. and Kylian are doing a great job and we also want them to be fresh to attack.

“I don’t want two strikers going down to chase the full-backs or the midfielders.

I want them to do a good job and I want to see a team that runs together, but that both can be fresh to make the difference like they did today,” he added.

Arbeloa was then reminded of how ten years ago, the then Castilla coach Zinedine Zidane took over the team and won the Champions League, hinting at him possibly repeating it.

“What happened at that time was historic and in the Champions League era, it has never been achieved before. What Zidane did was exceptional and difficult to repeat, not only for Madrid.”

“We’re going to fight for everything this year. I don’t believe much in coincidences, only in work and enthusiasm,” he added.

Finally, he was asked about Brahim Diaz, who will be back with the team after an AFCON that ended in heartbreak.

“He had an exceptional tournament. If Morocco reached the final, it’s in a very high percentage because of their tournament.”

“He will be with and his teammates are looking forward to giving him a big hug and to see that unity between them makes me happy and confident for the future.”

Source: Real Madrid website