Arbeloa: "We want to say goodbye to the fans by giving them a victory"
"Carvajal is a symbol of Real Madrid and it will be very special to pay tribute to him and give him a standing ovation as he deserves," said our coach.
Álvaro Arbeloa spoke to the media in the press room of the Ciudad Real Madrid on the day before the match against Athletic Club, corresponding to Matchday 38 of the League, which will take place at the Bernabéu (Saturday, 9:00 pm CEST; Orange TV and Movistar LaLiga). Our coach analyzed the final game of the season: "I want to see a great match and say goodbye to the fans by giving them a victory and a great effort. Playing the last game at home is special and different. The most important thing on a day like tomorrow is to make them enjoy it."
"Hopefully, it’s a 'see you later' because I have always considered this my home. I have been part of Real Madrid for 20 years in many roles, and I will always consider it my home. It’s clear that this will be my last match this season as coach of Real Madrid, but I don’t know if it will be the last of my life as a Real Madrid coach. I will try to enjoy it and focus on winning."
Carvajal
"He is a symbol of what a Real Madrid player should be. The fact that he is a homegrown player and laid the first stone in the Real Madrid Sports City makes him a truly special and unique player, and he is a source of pride for all madridistas. Tomorrow will be a very special day for all of us to pay tribute to him and give him the ovation he deserves."
"Tomorrow he will start, and I’m sure that when he is substituted and receives that great tribute at the end of the match, everyone will stand up. Dani will have a beautiful memory of tomorrow and of the affection the fans will show him. I am sure that when he looks back, he will be very proud of what he has done for Real Madrid over so many years. We madridistas have been very fortunate to have been able to enjoy Dani Carvajal."
Where do you rank Carvajal among football full-backs?
“At the very top alongside the best full-backs of all time. One of his greatest characteristics is that he has managed to be very important both offensively and defensively. The challenge for full-backs is always finding that balance. Dani has been able to dominate in both aspects, both going forward and defending. He has had a mentality that has driven him to improve every year. He is a born competitor, facing the best and representing us at the highest level. Within the difficulty that any full-back faces nowadays, he has handled it in the best way, always delivering a high level of performance.”
“He has permission from the club due to a personal matter. We still don’t know if he’ll be available tomorrow.” Laporta’s statements
“I give very little importance to Laporta’s words. We have always been very clear in everything we’ve discussed. I imagine he is referring to the Negreira case. We are still waiting for a resolution to such a serious case that has tarnished Spanish football for many years. After the investigation was opened, many referees connected to the case have continued officiating. We still feel the same way, seeing Real Madrid players bleeding, not being awarded penalties, and the reward being officiating a Copa del Rey final. These are things that, for us, are not normal, and it is our responsibility to keep denouncing them.” Could you be part of Mourinho’s coaching staff?
“I’m not here to talk about possibilities. In Mou’s case, I think he has a fantastic coaching staff, as good as he is, and I think he is very well surrounded. If he comes to Real Madrid, he will do so with his coaching staff, as it should be. There is no possibility that I could be part of it. I’ve spent four months not thinking about myself, focusing on Real Madrid and the next game. Starting Monday, it will be time for me to think about what’s best for me. A year ago, I saw myself coaching in the academy, with the Juvenil A team, and now I am here. I have already made the leap, improved greatly over these four months, and I feel prepared for new challenges. Starting Monday, I will think about them.” Would you have changed anything during your time as coach?
“I imagine you’re asking about the relationship with my players. I am very grateful to all of them for what we’ve gone through these four months. I understand that with 25 people, you cannot have the same relationship with everyone. Surely, over these months, we’ve had differences with some, as is normal. I won’t be the first nor the last. Any coach can have differences with their players, but I have always solved them in the best way possible, and they have done the same with me. They have always shown me great respect, and I have tried to show them the same.” “The opportunity came when it came. There are things in life that one does not choose, neither the moment nor the circumstances. For me, the important thing is always the way you face what happens to you. I have always tried to do it in the best way, thinking about Real Madrid. These have been four months with many moments where I thought more about Real Madrid than myself. I have always done it thinking about Real Madrid because I believed that was what I had to do. There’s no going back, so there’s no room for regret.” Enjoy all the videos of this match on RM Play Under what circumstances would you have done things differently?
“In many. Those are the circumstances I’ve faced. I know how the team was when I arrived, what I had to deal with, and the special circumstances under which I had to do it. They were different than if I had started the season. I’ve tried to do it in the best way—not my way, but the best way. Surely, the result hasn’t been what we all madridistas wanted, which was to win, but we’ve also done many things well. I am happy with what we’ve achieved in many aspects at the club, in the locker room, and with the team.” Advice for the next coach
“I’m not in a position to give much advice. Surely the coach who comes in will be someone with a lot of experience. I don’t think there’s a coach in the world who hasn’t had some differences with their players. It’s normal, especially in a locker room like this one. Everyone has great ambition to play. In every match, there are more players who are unhappy than those who are satisfied. These are situations that, in a year like this where many things have come together, are difficult to manage, with a lot of frustration, and it’s normal for differences to arise.” “I always focus on the positive things. I’ve had many players who were very committed, who made great efforts, and who were by my side. I cherish the good relationships I’ve had with many of them. With others, where I’ve had differences, I’ve solved them without problems. I have great relationships with almost all of them. I will hold on to the affection, respect, and attitude they’ve shown.” Elections
“There are things I cannot get involved in. I think it’s great that there are elections and that there are people who want to present their candidacy to be the president of Real Madrid. They already know the bar is set high, and if they think they can surpass it, we’ll be waiting and listening to see what ideas they can bring.” Was there anything above you that prevented you from making decisions?
“I don’t see it that way or interpret it like that. There are moments when you have to think about Real Madrid. Over these four months, I’ve acted with the responsibility of my role and position. It doesn’t mean I lacked freedom or that the club ever imposed any conditions on me. If I’ve acted in a certain way, it was because I believed it was what I had to do, not because I was forced to.” Is this a farewell?
“Yes.”
Where do you rank Carvajal among football full-backs?
“At the very top alongside the best full-backs of all time. One of his greatest characteristics is that he has managed to be very important both offensively and defensively. The challenge for full-backs is always finding that balance. Dani has been able to dominate in both aspects, both going forward and defending. He has had a mentality that has driven him to improve every year. He is a born competitor, facing the best and representing us at the highest level. Within the difficulty that any full-back faces nowadays, he has handled it in the best way, always delivering a high level of performance.”
“He has permission from the club due to a personal matter. We still don’t know if he’ll be available tomorrow.” Laporta’s statements
“I give very little importance to Laporta’s words. We have always been very clear in everything we’ve discussed. I imagine he is referring to the Negreira case. We are still waiting for a resolution to such a serious case that has tarnished Spanish football for many years. After the investigation was opened, many referees connected to the case have continued officiating. We still feel the same way, seeing Real Madrid players bleeding, not being awarded penalties, and the reward being officiating a Copa del Rey final. These are things that, for us, are not normal, and it is our responsibility to keep denouncing them.” Could you be part of Mourinho’s coaching staff?
“I’m not here to talk about possibilities. In Mou’s case, I think he has a fantastic coaching staff, as good as he is, and I think he is very well surrounded. If he comes to Real Madrid, he will do so with his coaching staff, as it should be. There is no possibility that I could be part of it. I’ve spent four months not thinking about myself, focusing on Real Madrid and the next game. Starting Monday, it will be time for me to think about what’s best for me. A year ago, I saw myself coaching in the academy, with the Juvenil A team, and now I am here. I have already made the leap, improved greatly over these four months, and I feel prepared for new challenges. Starting Monday, I will think about them.” Would you have changed anything during your time as coach?
“I imagine you’re asking about the relationship with my players. I am very grateful to all of them for what we’ve gone through these four months. I understand that with 25 people, you cannot have the same relationship with everyone. Surely, over these months, we’ve had differences with some, as is normal. I won’t be the first nor the last. Any coach can have differences with their players, but I have always solved them in the best way possible, and they have done the same with me. They have always shown me great respect, and I have tried to show them the same.” “The opportunity came when it came. There are things in life that one does not choose, neither the moment nor the circumstances. For me, the important thing is always the way you face what happens to you. I have always tried to do it in the best way, thinking about Real Madrid. These have been four months with many moments where I thought more about Real Madrid than myself. I have always done it thinking about Real Madrid because I believed that was what I had to do. There’s no going back, so there’s no room for regret.” Enjoy all the videos of this match on RM Play Under what circumstances would you have done things differently?
“In many. Those are the circumstances I’ve faced. I know how the team was when I arrived, what I had to deal with, and the special circumstances under which I had to do it. They were different than if I had started the season. I’ve tried to do it in the best way—not my way, but the best way. Surely, the result hasn’t been what we all madridistas wanted, which was to win, but we’ve also done many things well. I am happy with what we’ve achieved in many aspects at the club, in the locker room, and with the team.” Advice for the next coach
“I’m not in a position to give much advice. Surely the coach who comes in will be someone with a lot of experience. I don’t think there’s a coach in the world who hasn’t had some differences with their players. It’s normal, especially in a locker room like this one. Everyone has great ambition to play. In every match, there are more players who are unhappy than those who are satisfied. These are situations that, in a year like this where many things have come together, are difficult to manage, with a lot of frustration, and it’s normal for differences to arise.” “I always focus on the positive things. I’ve had many players who were very committed, who made great efforts, and who were by my side. I cherish the good relationships I’ve had with many of them. With others, where I’ve had differences, I’ve solved them without problems. I have great relationships with almost all of them. I will hold on to the affection, respect, and attitude they’ve shown.” Elections
“There are things I cannot get involved in. I think it’s great that there are elections and that there are people who want to present their candidacy to be the president of Real Madrid. They already know the bar is set high, and if they think they can surpass it, we’ll be waiting and listening to see what ideas they can bring.” Was there anything above you that prevented you from making decisions?
“I don’t see it that way or interpret it like that. There are moments when you have to think about Real Madrid. Over these four months, I’ve acted with the responsibility of my role and position. It doesn’t mean I lacked freedom or that the club ever imposed any conditions on me. If I’ve acted in a certain way, it was because I believed it was what I had to do, not because I was forced to.” Is this a farewell?
“Yes.” Is there any conversation on the gray sofa that has particularly impacted you?
“I would have to go player by player. Almost all of them, if not all, have helped me grow as a coach and as a person. I’ll leave the gray sofa here so the next coach can use it. I have had relationships with all my players and have had many conversations. I’ve listened to them, and they’ve listened to me. Sometimes we’ve agreed, other times not, but that’s part of life, both as a coach and as a player. The advantage I have is that I’ve been where they are. I told them on the first day: I know what it feels like, no matter your situation, because I’ve been where you are. I understand them. Often, as is normal, their perspective is very different from that of a coach. For me, it’s easier to put myself in their shoes than it is for them to put themselves in mine. This will always be the case in the coach-player relationship.” “I leave Madrid with immense gratitude toward my players. They’ve made me better, allowed me to enjoy every day, taught me so much, and made me a better coach today than I was back on January 12th or 13th. I’m also very grateful to the president and to José Ángel for the opportunity they gave me, and to everyone involved with the first team. I leave Real Madrid thankful because over the past eight years, I’ve been able to get to know the club better. I’ve dealt with so many people, and I leave having made many friends, very happy, and I hope I can return someday.”
Disclaimer: Translation generated by artificial intelligence. It may contain inaccuracies.