Arbeloa: “We can do it, we are convinced of it”

Álvaro Arbeloa appeared in the press room at the Allianz Arena ahead of the match against Bayern Munich (Wednesday, 9:00 pm CEST; Orange TV and Movistar Liga de Campeones). Our coach analyzed the second leg of the Champions League quarterfinals: "We are very motivated, just like all madridistas. We are convinced that we can do it and ready for a great match."

“We are Real Madrid. If there's a team that comes to this stadium thinking they can make a comeback, it's us. We are the team with 15 European Cups. We have great players, and we'll have some back who weren't available. No one can predict tomorrow's result with certainty, but we are Real Madrid, and we will return with our crest and pride.”

Tchouameni's replacement
“We have many options and many players who can play where Tchouameni does. Camavinga, Thiago, Ceballos, Valverde… We have plenty of choices. I already know the lineup I'll field tomorrow, and I have a lot of confidence in it. Also, in the substitutes, because it's going to be a long match, and the eleven who start won't be the same ones who finish. I feel privileged with the squad I have.”

What is needed to win?
“This is a match where we need to be at a high emotional, mental, tactical, and physical level. We have to perform at a very high standard. We need to deliver a great individual and collective performance. We have to give our maximum. We are a great team with great players and a lot of personality. That's how we need to play in a stadium like this against a strong team. They have the confidence of their fans believing they can surpass us, and we have to show who we are.”

Miracle
“I don't think we need to perform a miracle. If we had won the other day, it wouldn't have been surprising. Their goalkeeper was the MVP, which shows the chances we had. Anyone who knows Real Madrid doesn't think winning here is a miracle.”

The fear factor of facing Real Madrid

“They’re a great team, too. They’re one of the teams that can definitely hold their own against us in terms of history, character, and mentality… I think it’s going to be—I don’t know if it’s a preview of the final, but certainly a huge match between two clubs with a rich history, who have a lot of respect for each other, and who have some truly outstanding players. But we have to focus on ourselves; that’s what matters, and that’s what we can control.”

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Difficulty in coming back from behind on the road

“We haven’t discussed it, but it’s just another challenge. Real Madrid’s history has been built on challenges that may not be impossible, but are certainly very difficult. We’re ready to fight and give it our all to add to this club’s legacy and pull off a comeback on the road.”

 

What does the team need to improve?

“We need to improve many aspects of our game. It’s important to convert our chances; I don’t think we’ll have as many as we did in the first leg. But in these matches, if you’re able to score, it boosts your confidence. We have to score if we want to win and advance. We have to play very well tomorrow.”

 

Are the players aware of the difficulty?

“We’ve played here many times. I have, and many of the players have also played in this great stadium with that amazing atmosphere over the last few seasons. We know it, and we’re ready for it. These are atmospheres where Real Madrid players feel at home. You also have to enjoy coming to play at a stadium like this, with an atmosphere like the one we’ll have tomorrow. These are moments when Real Madrid players want to be there and give their best. I’m sure they’ll go out tomorrow to enjoy this great match.”

 

Motivation

“I don’t know how many teams in the world can say they’ve won the European Cup 15 times. We believe we can do it. The Real Madrid coach believes it, the players believe it, the club believes it… I’ve been running into Real Madrid fans all week, and not a single one has told me

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