Alvaro Arbeloa – ‘I don’t think Mbappe and Vinicius should worry about pressing’
Real Madrid manager Alvaro Arbeloa has hailed a 6-1 win over AS Monaco as proof that his side need supporters at the Santiago Bernabeu, following their Champions League debut. Los Blancos moved up to 15 points with five wins from seven games, and were in excellent form, after being booed by the crowd on Saturday against Levante.
The star of the show was undoubtedly Vinicius Junior, who finished the game with three assists and a goal. Arbeloa called it a ‘perfect night’ for him. There were raised eyebrows when Vinicius didn’t celebrate with the crowd, but instead ran to hug Arbeloa after his goal.
“What I said is what we saw today: when he is happy, he is a very unbalanced player in defense. We need him. I am very happy for him, and he deserves it. His hug is the hug of all Real Madrid, the hug of his teammates and the support of the Bernabeu. We showed him support in difficult times. It was the same for him and I told everyone at the Bernabeu. I said here: I need him to be happy and enjoy himself, and he has full support and almost he is obliged to show all the football he can see,” he told Marca.
Arbeloa was also asked about the strange whistles that were still going on for Vinicius.
“I don’t know about that game, but I saw the Bernabeu crowd behind all their players. Everyone ran hard, Fede and Cama played in unnatural areas, and everyone put the team above their own interests. It was a good night for everyone.”
‘Kylian and Vini shouldn’t worry about pressure’
He will continue to explain that the credit should go to the fans as well as the players, feeling that their support is reciprocated by the players on the field.
“This is a victory for the players, for the boys, the medals are for them and the Bernabeu crowd. If we want to win things, we need them. I think tonight showed that Real Madrid is better when the Bernabeu is there. Many of us have experienced it and we know what the Bernabeu means. I am very happy.”
One of the main question marks over Vinicius and Mbappe under Xabi Alonso was their defensive work. Arbeloa noted that he did not want them to waste their energy by pressing.
“Every time the team comes together, they are the first to press. I think both Kylian and Vini are trying, but I won’t lie to you. I don’t think they should worry about the midfielders; I want them young.”
‘The players welcomed me with warm arms’ – Arbeloa
Regarding his beginning of life as a manager, Arbeloa said that his players are the core of Real Madrid.
“I am fine, I thank everyone. I became a coach to help the players and bring out the best in all of them. I need them to be happy, and that way we will be able to fight for everything.”
“[The players] they welcome me warmly and help me. They understand exactly what Real Madrid is all about. Real Madrid is about love, character, fans and hard work. “
Brahim Diaz’s return to Afcon
Meanwhile, Arbeloa is about to bring back Brahim Diaz from international duty, following a tragic penalty miss in the final which Senegal went on to win. Arbeloa said Brahim was a big part of the reason Morocco is in that position.
“He had a special tournament, and if they reached the finals, it’s mostly thanks to him. I’m eager to hug him, he’s a talented young man who can adapt to many positions. His teammates are also eager to hug him.”
Los Blancos travel to La Ceramica this weekend to face Villarreal, where they will have the chance to return to the top before Barcelona play on Sunday. Arbeloa will be looking for a third straight win.
