Arbeloa: “We must be capable of demanding much more from ourselves”

Álvaro Arbeloa appeared in the press room at the Bernabéu and analyzed the match against Alavés, corresponding to Matchday 33 of LaLiga. Regarding the whistles directed at the team and Vini Jr. by some sections of the stadium, he stated: "This is not the first time it has happened; it has been demonstrated over many years. In recent months, Vini has been able to recover and has always made a great effort in moments when we faced very difficult situations. He has been able to carry the team on his shoulders."

"We cannot deny his constant attitude of wanting more, trying again, and not hiding. He has tremendous courage. He is a great madridista; he deeply feels the badge and the jersey. I am very happy when the crowd rewards him with applause. That is what I always expect from this relationship.”

Carvajal
“I have 23 players. Any Real Madrid player has the chance to go to the World Cup. If you allow me, I will think about what is best for my team."

Camavinga
“He has returned to the field, played, and helped the team, which is what he wants. He is a player with a lot of personality. Despite his youth, he has great experience and will always step onto the field whenever needed, as he did today. Over the past months, he has been an important player, consistently adding minutes, whether starting or coming on in the second half. Just like Vini: they are young players who came to Real Madrid and have managed to win many important titles in just a few years. He not only has the trust of his coach but also the trust of the entire club and, I am sure, the fans as well.”

Vini Jr. and the whistles
“I don’t feel that it’s something widespread, nor that it happens every day, nor that it’s just about Vinicius. This is something we’ll live with forever, with the demands of this stadium and its fans. What they want is to always bring out the best in their players. When I was a player, I understood it the same way when I was whistled at—as a sign of demand, knowing what one can give and what one must give as a Real Madrid player. I am pleased with what Vinicius did today: turning those initial whistles into applause. He has done it many times, as have other players during today’s game. For me, that’s what matters.”

Bellingham
“Jude comes from where he comes from. The other day in Munich was the first game he played 90 minutes after a long injury layoff. On Friday, we have another game. After what happened with Militão, I didn’t want to take any risks because I need him at his best for Friday. Bellingham always has that mentality, ambition, and drive, and even in a game like this, he wanted to keep helping and adding minutes on the pitch. I like that, but it’s not something to overemphasize, and we’ll see him back on the field on Friday.”

Will the team reconnect in May?
“I hope it won’t feel too long or too short. We have six games left, with the next one in three days. That’s the goal we’ve set: to win these seven games no matter what happens with LaLiga. That’s the objective we’ve established as a group—to know that every game counts. We are already thinking about many things we need to improve as a group. Being able to fight for every match, regardless of the opponent or what’s at stake, is one of the things we need to improve. As a goal, for the six remaining games, we will go out to win them.”

Message to the group
“My message is very clear: we have demands and responsibilities. Something we need to improve upon if we want to be capable of winning LaLiga next year is demanding more from ourselves. We must raise our self-demand, regardless of what’s at stake and the opponent. We must be capable of demanding much more from ourselves. For that, we need to start now and aim for the six remaining games.” 

What do you have at stake in these six matches?
“As I always say, I care very little about what I have at stake; what matters is what Real Madrid has at stake. We will go out to win those six matches.”

Vini’s contract renewal
“That’s not a question for me. I am sure, hopeful, and wish that Vinicius Jr. wants to stay at Real Madrid for many years.”

Enjoy all the videos from this match on RM Play

LaLiga impressions
“Until it’s mathematically impossible, of course there is still LaLiga. On the day when, if it comes, we don’t have any chance and lose the league and Barcelona wins it, we will congratulate them. Until then, we’ll keep fighting for it, and if that day comes when we’ve lost it, we’ll continue fighting in the remaining matches. There’s no doubt about that because that’s what’s demanded of us. But until it’s over and there are possibilities, we have to keep fighting.”

What does the madridismo think of Vini?
“I see that I want Vinicius to stay here for many years, which is what matters to me. I can speak for myself, as I am sure of what I think and feel. I firmly believe that Vini Jr. has the love of the madridista fans.”

Fabio Capello’s statements
“I don’t usually comment on the opinions of other colleagues.”

 

Disclaimer: Translation generated by artificial intelligence. It may contain inaccuracies.