Arbeloa gave his first press conference as the new coach of Real Madrid. He did so accompanied by Emilio Butragueño, director of Institutional Relations of Madrid, who dedicated some loving words to him and also others to Xabi: “Arbeloa now takes on an enormous challenge. This is your home, you know this institution and its demands perfectly. We are a big family. All of us who are part of the club are going to help you. We wish you all the best. I also want to remember Xabi Alonso. He knows that this is his home, he has our love. He is “a legend of the club and a great example of Madrid’s values. The decision was mutually agreed, we thank him for his commitment this time.”
Then Arbeloa spoke:
Your arrival: “It is a special day. As have all those in which I have been part of Madrid. I have been in this house for 20 years. It is the best club in history. Aware of the responsibility I have and with great enthusiasm.”
He has spoken with Xabi: “Yesterday afternoon they told me that Xabi and the club had reached an agreement and that they wanted me to take responsibility. Of course I have spoken with Xabi, everyone here knows the friendship that unites me with him. I appreciate him very much and I love him, I know it is mutual. And it will continue to be that way.”
Interim or permanent: “I’ve been here for 20 years and I’ll be here as long as Madrid wants. This is my home, that’s how I feel.”
The team’s problems: “Whatever I talked about with
Player involvement: “We have all seen in the last games, how they tried hard in the Super Cup… We have a great squad with kids willing to do anything. Don’t forget that there are players with six European Cups. That seems to be soon forgotten. That has led Madrid to be the best club in history.”
The locker room egos: “It’s not something that worries me much. We have a squad with great footballers and they are all very good kids, there is no one more interested in winning titles than the players. I have told them that the best stage of my life was playing for Madrid, they have to enjoy it. They are self-demanding. It has been a good introduction.”
ARBELOA’S PRESS CONFERENCES, ALSO ON PODCAST!
In the car, when you go for a walk or run, at the gym, leaving the Bernabéu… wherever you want and whenever you want! AS offers its Internet users Arbeloa’s complete press conferences in podcast format. Click below on your usual audio platform, subscribe to Real Madrid Today and don’t miss any content!
Spotify, Apple Podcast, Podium e Ivoox
As Audio
Where is the problem?: “There is a season ahead, we are in great readiness in all the tournaments. That worries me, having everyone available, getting to know each other, working with them… The important thing is them, that they are happy, that they enjoy themselves on the field. Wearing this shield is the best thing that can happen to you in life. We have the ambition to fight for everything.”
What it means to play well: “Madrid has 120 years of history and it is difficult for things to be recognized. Here some have won three Champions Leagues and it was said that then they would go home to water the garden. I know where I am. I know the demands we have and what it means to play well, what the fans want to see. Winning is important here.”
His relationship with Xabi: “He wished me the best, just as I would do the other way around. We have a friendship that is above all things. He wished me the best. He is going to do very well and we will always be together.”
The quarry: “It is the best youth team in the world. There are players grown in the Factory everywhere, tomorrow we will face some of them. We are extremely lucky to be with many players these years, they have brought me here. They know that they have a great opportunity, that the first team coach knows them better than anyone. They know the demands of Madrid and they know that I am counting on them.”
Mourinho: “I haven’t spoken with him. For me it was a privilege to be trained by him, a person who had a lot of influence on me. I’m going to be Arbeloa, I’m not afraid of failure, but if I wanted to be Mou I would fail miserably.”
Influences: “I have had many coaches. They were very important in my career, a great influence. You have your way of being and take the best from each one. Many are legends, they have won everything in football. I hope I do half as well as many of them.”
Physical preparation and Pintus: “For me it is a privilege to have Pintus on the coaching staff, he has five European Cups under his belt. He will be in charge of carrying out this area, he knows the players well, he has his method that we know works well in this house. It is a pleasure to be with him and learn. It is a tremendous luck.”
Cañero at the press conference: “I haven’t played a game and you’re already asking me about that… I’m very focused on tomorrow’s game.”
What Madrid do you hope to see?: “This club is about winning, winning and winning again. It’s our DNA. That has led us to fill the showcases. When I was a player I received those values from the locker room, it’s the most important thing. That’s my obsession.”
Vinicius’ situation: “I don’t put myself in scenarios that haven’t happened, I’m worried about tomorrow’s game. I’m lucky to have Vini, he’s loved by all the fans. We all saw the final, that’s the Vini we want to see, the one who enjoys, the one who laughs, the one who dances… That’s the Vini I want to see.”
What has been found?: “A group of players with a lot of desire, despite the effort this week, I have seen great predisposition. They have the same enthusiasm as me, to fight for everything and to win.”
Clean slate with the locker room: “Everyone starts from scratch, it is a new beginning. There is nothing more, it is a new beginning for everyone, starting with the game against Albacete. All the players are very excited, they have shown me that enthusiasm.”
Related news
Your opinions matter! Comment on the articles and subscribe for free to our newsletter and to the information alerts in the App or the channel WhatsApp.
Looking to license content? click here
