Arbeloa: “The victory came from solidity and commitment”
“We knew it was going to be a game where we needed to be patient and work hard,” explained the coach.
Álvaro Arbeloa appeared in the Mestalla press room after Real Madrid's victory against Valencia. Our coach said: “We knew where we were coming. I think it was three wins in the last 11 years, if I’m not mistaken. I’ve been fortunate to come to Mestalla many years as a player and I know the challenge this stadium always presents. For the fans and the players, it is an important match when Madrid comes to play. Also, with this five-man defensive line they used against us, it was going to be a game where we had to be very patient and work hard. The victory came from solidity, commitment, and playing a very serious match. I think we were deserved winners.”
What did you think of the substitutions?
“Valverde performs spectacularly wherever you place him. I’m aware that where he’s happiest is in the midfield and that’s also where we can get the most out of him and where we need him the most. David Jiménez also deserves tremendous credit for the rival he had against him. It was unfortunate that chance didn’t go in. For the academy players to play a match at this level and contribute as David Jiménez did is fantastic news for the entire Real Madrid academy, for him, who played a fantastic match, and I’m very proud. As for Trent, after being out for a long time, we are taking the same approach with him as we will with others returning from injury. We are proceeding cautiously and calmly because what we want is for him to find his rhythm, his best playing form, and that’s how it will be with Trent.”
What is Carvajal's status and how long could he be out?
“I’ll be very clear. I’m seeing Dani improve in training day by day. Gradually. Obviously, I’m not going to take any risks. When we had days off, he was at Valdebebas working. Inside the dressing room, I don’t need to explain the importance of Dani. He’s the one who always has something to say before and after matches. On the day of Rayo, today, you always hear him. It’s very important for the players to have a reference like him in the dressing room, and I’m sure he’s going to find his best form. With the patience and effort we’re putting in and his dedication, I’m confident that he’s getting closer to regaining his relevance.”
What does it mean to have Mbappé at Real Madrid as a coach, and can he surpass Cristiano Ronaldo?
“It’s a great fortune, because right now he’s the best player in the world with what he’s proving day in and day out, game after game. As I said before, what Cristiano achieved seemed extraterrestrial, something impossible to match and no one could come close. Mbappé has a long way to go because Cristiano was here for many years, but he has the conditions to follow in his footsteps, and you never know if he’ll be able to surpass him. But if anyone can, it’s Kylian.”
Satisfaction with the clean sheet
“That’s one of the things. Of course, we can raise our level of play in terms of brilliance and other aspects. We surely have a lot of room for improvement. A team is built on solidity, on staying united, on commitment. We showed it in La Cerámica, and we did today as well. I don’t think Courtois had to make any saves. That’s the path the players are following: helping each other, commitment, dedication, sacrifice… All those values that I think are very important for the team, the players demonstrated them again today, and from there, we just need to keep improving.”
Disclaimer: Translation generated by artificial intelligence. It may contain inaccuracies.