Álvaro Arbeloa, interim coach of Real Madrid, entered confrontation mode in the preview of the decisive clash against Betis, making it clear that nothing distracts him, not even the strange “likes” from Mbappé on social media. The French phenomenon gave “likes” to posts mentioning a hypothetical return of José Mourinho to the Santiago Bernabéu, but Arbeloa dismissed any drama: “It’s indifferent to me. I’m not bothered that Mbappé likes Mourinho, Julia Roberts, or anyone else,” he stated, with the coolness of someone who is 100% focused on LaLiga.
With Real Madrid nine points behind leaders Barcelona, the mission is clear and urgent: win the six remaining matches to keep the flame of hope alive. The first test is this Friday, at the La Cartuja stadium, against Betis, a team that Arbeloa did not hesitate to praise. “Betis achieved a very important victory on Tuesday and is recovering key players. I don’t need to explain the quality of the opponent, their players, and the coach, for whom I have the utmost respect and affection. It will be a game of maximum demand for us,” he warned.
Despite the disadvantage at the top of the table, the coach maintains an aggressive stance and maximum demands: “Our goal must be to win all six games, regardless of what Barcelona does. We have to continue to grow, improve, and give everything in LaLiga. We are only concerned about tomorrow’s game, and then we will focus on the rest.”
Also in the spotlight was the delicate situation of Dani Carvajal, whose playing time has drastically decreased. Arbeloa did not hold back in his words and rejected any idea that his management has personal motivations. “My response was serious and harsh. I found the question inappropriate. You can ask anyone how I talk about Dani Carvajal. What you are trying to do is unjustifiable,” he asserted, defending that the choices are strictly football-related. “It pains me to think that a coach would make decisions based on anything other than sporting reasons.”
The reason for Carvajal’s reduced minutes is simple: fierce competition. “Only 11 can play. I am and have to be unfair to the players. I see everyone training, and many are doing a great job. There is nothing more to it,” the coach explained. Regarding the future of the full-back, Arbeloa was diplomatic, leaving the decision in the hands of the club and the player: “What makes the club and the player happy will be good.”
When questioned about the preference for Trent Alexander-Arnold, the coach reaffirmed that his decisions are guided by the conviction of victory. “In every game, I give my all. When I put a player on the field, it’s because I believe they deserve it and because I consider it’s to win; I don’t give a minute to anyone.”
Regarding physical issues, Arbeloa reassured by revealing that Militão’s injury “seems to be just a scare,” awaiting only the results of the MRI to confirm. To conclude, he issued a firm warning to all players, dismissing any possibility of resting for the World Cup: “I wouldn’t understand if a player held back for the World Cup. We are players of Real Madrid. Our demand is to fight for these six games.”
Real Madrid thus enters a decisive phase of the season, with a coach determined not to let internal or external distractions divert the team from the greater objective: to secure every possible point and apply pressure on Barcelona until the final whistle of LaLiga. The battle is on!
This article first appeared on Apito Final.
Discover more from Apito Final
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
