‘He is number one’ – Arbeloa talks Mourinho, Mbappe ahead of Sevilla vs Real Madrid | OneFootball

Real Madrid play their penultimate game of the season tomorrow when they take on Sevilla away at Estadio Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan.

With the team mired in controversies one after the other, manager Alvaro Arbeloa, who is expected to be relieved of his duties at the end of the season, addressed the media in his pre-match press conference.

As expected, the imminent appointment of Jose Mourinho as well as Arbeloa’s recent spat with Kylian Mbappe were the most talked about topics in the presser.

Regarding Mbappe situation

On being asked if he had spoken with the Frenchman after the Real Oviedo clash, the manager elaborated:

“I was just coming up here and I saw him. I told him to relax, that I’d take care of it. I understand that these things can be newsworthy. We’d already talked about everything he said, so I’m taking it more naturally.

“I understand how players feel when they’re not playing. Kylian wasn’t happy the other day, and I like that. For me, it’s much more normal than it’s been portrayed.

“The best thing would have been for him to play a bit in the second half; perhaps without tomorrow’s match, the situation would have been different. But that’s all.

“I see what’s happened these past few days as perfectly normal. My relationship with Mbappe remains the same.”

Arbeloa cleared the air about his relationship with Mbappe. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)

On whether he was hurt by what was said by the forward and the entire incident, Arbeloa replied:

“Whenever I speak with the players, I’m not afraid they might discuss any of our conversations. When we talk privately, I prefer to keep it private, but I don’t mind if it’s discussed.

“I spoke with him before the match, and as I told you then, there were no problems.”

On whether he believes he has emerged stronger or weaker from this period as Real Madrid manager, Arbeloa explained:

“I was a First Division RFEF coach and I’m leaving as a First Division coach, having managed Champions League matches.

“For me, these four months have been a great experience, a learning opportunity. Being in front of you all is also a masterclass. I’ll leave with a clear conscience.”

Talking about how he would like to be remembered by the fans, the former defender added:

“Real Madrid has millions of fans, and some will agree more than others. I feel the fans’ affection. I’m 43 years old, and I’ve spent 20 of those years at Real Madrid. That’s a lot of years in what I consider my home.”

On what has been the hardest part of his stint at Real Madrid so far, Arbeloa remarked:

“The hardest thing at this club is always when you don’t win. That’s what hurts me the most, not having helped the players win titles: because of the high expectations we have, because of the hopes of so many people who are on our shoulders.”

On Mourinho’s imminent return

Set to take over soon. (Photo by Carlos Rodrigues/Getty Images)

When asked whether he agrees that Jose Mourinho is the ideal fit to ‘fix’ this current Real Madrid dressing room, Arbeloa launched a defence of his players while also hailing the Portuguese tactician.

“I don’t understand this talk of an unmanageable dressing room; I don’t agree with it. The day the club makes a decision about next season’s manager, they’ll do it when they deem it appropriate.

“For me, as a player and a Real Madrid fan, Mourinho is number one. I thought that a month ago, and I still think it. He is and always will be ‘one of us’. If he’s here next season, I’ll be very happy to see him back home.”

As for the game against Sevilla, Arbeloa stated: “Sevilla have won their last three matches and are doing very well under Luis Garcia. He’s turned things around for Sevilla.

“The Pizjuan is always exciting for us because of the atmosphere when Real Madrid play there. They have one of the best fan bases in Spain. It’s going to be a tough battle once again.”

Source: AS