MANCHESTER, England – Real Madrid interim coach Álvaro Arbeloa faced the media Monday ahead of Tuesday’s pivotal Champions League round-of-16 second leg against Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium. The tie is delicately poised after a 1-1 draw in Madrid, and Arbeloa stressed the require for humility and ambition as his side seeks a place in the quarter-finals. The conversation centered on team preparation, key player availability, and a respectful acknowledgement of the formidable opponent awaiting them.
Arbeloa was quick to dismiss any suggestion that Real Madrid might be better off without star forward Kylian Mbappé, a sentiment that arose during questioning. “It’s complicated to feel that without the best player in the world a team can still be competitive,” he stated, adding, “But that also says a lot about how well the team is playing right now.” This underscores the confidence within the squad, even with the recent changes in management and fluctuating player fitness.
The biggest news coming out of the press conference was the confirmation of Mbappé’s return to the squad. However, Jude Bellingham will not be available for selection. “Bellingham was the one who wanted to travel with the group, but he won’t be available tomorrow,” Arbeloa explained. “I’m happy to notice him getting closer to returning – he’s going to be one of the leaders and it’s important that he’s here with us.” Bellingham’s presence, even on the sidelines, is seen as a boost to team morale as he continues his recovery.
Tactically, Arbeloa indicated that Real Madrid will approach the match with the same game plan as the first leg. “The same as the first leg. We have no other objective than to head out and win with the same humility and commitment we showed before – even more so, because it won’t be simple,” he said. This suggests a focus on defensive solidity and exploiting opportunities on the counter-attack, a strategy that proved effective in the first encounter.
The coach also emphasized the importance of matching, and even exceeding, the level of performance displayed in the first leg. “We know how difficult tomorrow’s game will be and the opponent we’re facing. If we desire to win, we can’t think about anything other than performing at a very high level – like in the first leg, or even better – with solidarity, effort, and sacrifice, and being capable of hurting them.” This highlights the respect Real Madrid has for Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City and the understanding that a top-tier performance will be required to advance.
Interestingly, Arbeloa was asked about offering tactical advice to Guardiola, a manager he knows well from their time in Spanish football. He swiftly dismissed the idea. “No, I won’t provide Guardiola any advice,” he stated firmly. “It’s the 987th match Guardiola has managed. He knows his team very well.” This demonstrates a clear understanding of Guardiola’s experience and tactical acumen, and a refusal to offer any perceived advantage to the opposition.
The conversation also touched upon the form of Federico Valverde, who Arbeloa lauded as being in his best form. “He can play in any position and excels in all. He is in his best form and scoring goals,” Arbeloa said. Valverde’s versatility and current form make him a key player for Real Madrid as they navigate this crucial stage of the Champions League.
Regarding young talent Arda Güler, Arbeloa acknowledged his recent impressive goal but remained tight-lipped about his potential role against Manchester City. He also addressed the challenge of defending against Erling Haaland, stating, “We have to defend against Haaland… but I think Arda did well [in training] and tomorrow we will see.” This suggests Güler could be involved in some capacity, potentially tasked with disrupting City’s attack.
When questioned about the significance of the match, and whether it could define his tenure as interim coach, Arbeloa remained focused on the present. “The last thing that worries me right now, I don’t even think about it,” he said. “I only care about tomorrow’s game and that the players perform as they have until now.” This demonstrates a pragmatic approach and a commitment to focusing on the immediate task at hand.
Manchester City opted not to train at the Etihad Stadium on Monday, a decision Arbeloa acknowledged but downplayed. “I think he [Guardiola] explained it well this morning. It’s not something new for them. They’ve played so many games together, they know each other inside and out.” This suggests Real Madrid isn’t reading too much into City’s decision, recognizing their familiarity and confidence.
Real Madrid will need a strong performance from their entire squad to overcome the challenge posed by Manchester City. The match, scheduled for Tuesday at 8:00 PM local time (7:00 PM GMT/3:00 PM EST), promises to be a captivating encounter between two of Europe’s elite clubs. The stakes are high, with a place in the Champions League quarter-finals on the line.
Following Tuesday’s match, Real Madrid returns to domestic action, facing Athletic Club in La Liga on March 22nd. The team will undoubtedly be looking to build on their Champions League campaign and maintain their push for silverware on all fronts.
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