On the eve of the duel against Monaco, Alvaro Arbeloa held a pre-game press conference at Valdebebas CT. In this way, the Spaniard came to the defense of Vini Jrafter booing against Levante. “What he wants, and what I hope, want and desire, is the support of the Bernabéu for all his players. And, of course, for Vini Jr. He is a guy who has been writing his story at Real Madrid for many years. He gave us two Champions League titles and magical nights. He needs the Bernabéu to show his best. He has a huge heart, he is very emotional, and his football reflects that. He loves this shield and the fans; he wants them by his side. Like coach, I would love to see a Bernabéu that supports its players”these.
“I don’t know if this is perfectly clear. Vini Jr will be on the field as long as he is available and playing at his best level. He is an extraordinary and fantastic player, and I want him to have the ball at his feet as long as possible because he is very unpredictable. If I want to have any chance of winning titles, I need Vinicius on the field, not off it”he concluded by responding to the possible absence of number 7 from the duel against Monaco.
Regarding the booing, he expressed: “As a player trained at the youth level, as a player and, above all, as a coach, I have immense respect for the Bernabéu fans. They can express their opinions as they wish. I think booing weakens Real Madrid. I know that there are campaigns to undermine the club and I know who is behind them. They won’t fool me. But my respect and gratitude for the Bernabéu are immense because they have always treated me exceptionally well and they want the same thing as me: for the team to win titles”.
Weather outside Bernabéu: “I know what the Bernabéu fans are like because I’ve been there, and I’ve told the players that. Now it’s up to us to turn those whistles into applause. Let them see the effort. We’re working on it and we know they’ll be on our side; we have no doubt about that. The team is very excited to get to the Bernabéu tomorrow and play in front of their fans.”.
Match against Monaco: “I’m the coach of Real Madrid and I’m very focused on the game against Monaco, on the opponent we have in front of us. That’s what takes up my time and my team’s time: preparing to play a great match, improving and ensuring that the players understand a little better every day what I expect from them”.
Cast quality: “This shield always requires effort, that’s what I ask of my players. I said that after last Wednesday’s game. I saw boys with an exceptional attitude, pressing, retreating when necessary, staying together, fighting hard… I have no doubt that effort is fundamental and the players know that. We will try to be a team that gives everything, knowing the characteristics of each player. At Real Madrid, no one holds back, that’s the most important thing”.
