Arbeloa: “We have to perform at a very high level if we want to beat Villarreal”

Álvaro Arbeloa spoke in the press room at Real Madrid City and discussed the league game against Villarreal, which will be played at the Estadio de la Cerámica (Saturday, 9 pm CET): “Villarreal are a great side who are going to demand a lot from us, our highest level. That's something that motivates us a lot and we're very aware of the great game we have to play tomorrow to take the three points.”

“Tomorrow's match is very important because of what it means, because of the opposition and because of three points that would give us a lot of confidence. It's one of the toughest games we have in the league. We know that we'll have to be at our best and play at a very high level if we want to get the three points. That's what we're focused on and that's what we've been working on over the last few days.”

The versatility of Valverde and Camavinga
"I can only speak of the players' desire to help the team. They have shown me from day one that they put the team above the individual. Fede and Camavinga haven't had any problems and on Tuesday, they played a great game and put in a sensational performance. That's what I want to see: players who are involved, who want to help and who are at the disposal of their coach and their teammates. They are very versatile players, with tremendous abilities and with a talent that allows them to play many times in any area of the pitch."

Criticism of his work and image viewing the European Cups
"It was the first time I went to the stadium as a coach and I had never been there before. When you see all the European Cups, I think I felt in a moment the history of Real Madrid, the responsibility I had and what this club means. The other day, I also saw that Carlo (Ancelotti), when he was at the stadium, published a photo in the same place and when someone like him does it, how can I not stop and contemplate the history of Real Madrid.”

“Regarding the criticism, I'm very relaxed and focused on what I have to do, my job, on helping the players and getting the most out of them. I'm only worried about tomorrow's game. To perform well, to get the three points, to fight and for the players to have a great individual and collective performance. The rest doesn't worry me much.”

The dressing room
“I'm talking about the 10 days I've been coach, which is what I have to talk about and what I've seen. I hope that the Monaco game will be a turning point. We have a lot to improve and work on, but from the first day I've seen a group of players with a lot of desire to work and that's what gives me confidence.”

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“I try to help the players and I can only speak since I arrived 10 days ago. What I've experienced are players who are very willing to work and to improve. They have welcomed me with open arms and I'm very grateful. That's what I've experienced during these 10 days and I can't tell you anything else.”

Vini Jr.’s renewal
“That's not up to me. Only Vini Jr. and the club. My job is to get the best out of the players and my clear wish is that Vini Jr. continues to make history at Real Madrid, of course.”

Winter market
“I repeat it again because perhaps I haven't made myself clear. I have an extraordinary squad, with which I'm very happy, and if we ever need anything we have a great youth team that will lend us a hand, as is already happening and as has happened before in the history of Real Madrid.”

Mourinho's comments on coaches with history and their chances
“You all know what José Mourinho means to me and when a coach with that experience and history speaks, especially him, I always try to listen and analyse him.”

Bellingham’s role
“I have to talk about what I 'm seeing now and it's not much because it hasn't been many days, but in the games he has played with me and in training he has shown from day one his abilities as a footballer, his technique, his leadership, his character. The effort he made the other day, like that of his teammates, was tremendous and speaks volumes about a player with a winning mentality and who has everything that a Real Madrid player needs. Considering his young age and experience I'm delighted with him and above all with his mentality, effort and the leadership he has with his teammates. Very happy to have him and enjoy having him.”

Rodrygo
“He’ll be in the squad.”

Does he think the Monaco games could be a turning point?
“Hopefully, the game against Monaco will be the turning point we need. Kylian said it and we commented on it before the game, that it was time for the players to step up and show the fans what they want to do, to fight together and bring them joy. It's something very important and they did it, they did it, with a lot of effort, a lot of work and a lot of unity, which is very important to try to achieve our objectives. Hopefully, everything will continue like that.”

Brahim
“I'm delighted to have him back with us. He has shown his abilities at Real Madrid and also during the Africa Cup of Nations. He brings a lot of attacking threat and the ability to play between the lines. He can give us a lot in different positions. I see him well. He has a great maturity, a great mentality and he is ready to help the team, which is important. We're going to need him and I'm very happy to have a player like him and to try to get the most out of him.”

How does he want Real Madrid to play?
“We want to see a Madrid, beyond tactical ideas and football systems or organisation, with the character and mentality of the other day. This is something that can never be missing and represents what Real Madrid is all about. That mentality, that ambition, that desire, that passion, all together as one, togetherness. Those values are ours, they are what must represent us and what we must never abandon. After that will come all the footballing ideas.”