Arbeloa: “Beating Monaco will bring us much closer to our goal”

Álvaro Arbeloa spoke to the media gathered in the press room at Real Madrid City ahead of the team's clash with Monaco at the Bernabéu (Tuesday, 9:00 pm CET). Prior to the press conference, the coach paid tribute to the victims of the train crash in Córdoba: “I would like to express my sincere condolences to the families and friends of the victims of the accident that took place yesterday in Córdoba. From Real Madrid, we express our heartfelt support and affections.”
“The team is doing well, they're hungry and positive after Saturday's win. We're fully focused on tomorrow's match, aware of what an important competition it is for us. Winning tomorrow would bring us much closer to our goal. We know how significant it is, and we want to put on a good display and clinch the win for our fans."
How is Vini Jr. doing?
“What he wants, and what I expect, want and wish for, is that the Bernabéu will support and get behind every player - and of course, that includes Vini Jr. This is a guy who has been writing his story at Real Madrid for many years. He's given us two Champions League titles and many magical nights. He needs the Bernabéu to bring out his best. He has a huge heart, he's very emotional, and his football reflects that. He loves this badge and the fans; he wants them on his side. As a coach, I would love to see a Bernabéu that stands behind its players.”

Is he missing a creative midfielder?
“I’ve said from day one that I have an extraordinary squad and I’m incredibly lucky. These past six days I’ve realized that, on a more personal level, they’re even better than I thought. I’ve come here to fight for every title - La Liga and the Champions League. That’s our objective, and we’re going to do whatever it takes to fight for them.”
“We’d love for the fans to be on our side because without them we don’t have much of a chance. Whenever Real Madrid has won titles, it’s been largely because the Bernabéu has been so supportive. If you ask any opponent about Real Madrid’s magical comebacks, they’ll all talk about the atmosphere the Bernabéu is capable of creating. It’s our job to bring that joy back.”
How should the players react to the boos?
“They have to do just what they did the other day, nothing different. They came out, demanded the ball, showed a fantastic attitude, and looked to go forward. It was a really good second half, showing a lot of what we want to see from the team. That's the Vini Jr. and Bellingham we want to see. They're among the best in the world, and they need the fans to bring out their best.”
On the boos at the Bernabéu
“As a youth academy product, a player, and especially as a coach, I have immense respect for the Bernabéu fans. Let them express their opinions as they see fit. I think the boos weaken Real Madrid. I know there are campaigns to weaken the club, and I know who's behind them. They're not going to fool me. But my respect and gratitude for the Bernabéu are immense because they've always treated me exceptionally well, and they want the same thing I do: for the team to win titles.”
Enjoy all the videos from this match on RM Play
Conversation with Vini Jr. coming out of the dressing room
“We came out of the video shoot and some of them were combing their hair, even putting some cologne on. We had to speed up a little bit and it was just a funny anecdote, nothing more.”
Ancelotti in the stands against Levante
“I've got a bone to pick with him. He didn't come down and say hello. I hope he comes in this morning and sees his players, myself included. For me, it was a privilege to be coached by the manager with the most titles in Real Madrid's history, the one with the most Champions Leagues, and the only one to have won all five major leagues. I'd really like to see him and give him a big hug.”
The quality of the squad
“This badge always demands effort, that’s what I ask of my players. I said it after last Wednesday’s match. I’ve seen lads with an exceptional attitude, pressing, tracking back when necessary, sticking together, battling hard… I have no doubt that effort is paramount and the players know it. We’re going to try to be a team that gives its all, aware of each player's characteristics. Nobody holds off on the effort at Real Madrid, that's a given.”
The climate with the fans
“I know what the Bernabéu crowd is like because I've been part of it, and I've told the players that. They are fair. Now it's up to us to turn those boos into applause. Let them see the effort we're putting in. We're working on it, and we know they'll get behind us. We have no doubt about it. The team is really looking forward to getting to the Bernabéu tomorrow and playing in front of their fans.”
Focused on the next opponent
“I'm the Real Madrid coach, and I'm totally focused on the Monaco match, on the opponent we have in front of us. That's what occupies my time and my team's time, preparing to put in a good performance, improving, and making sure the players understand a little better what I'm asking of them each day.”
Could you leave Vini Jr. out?
“Perhaps I haven't been perfectly clear. Vini Jr. will be on the pitch as long as he’s available and performing at his best. He’s an extraordinary, fantastic player, and I want him to have the ball at his feet as much as possible because he’s so unpredictable. If I want to have a chance at winning titles, I need Vinicius on the pitch, not off it.”