Real Madrid coach Álvaro Arbeloa spoke after his team’s 2-1 win against Benfica to reach the UEFA Champions League last 16 to highlight the role of Vinícius as he said, “I’m happy, because he did well and he deserves it, because of his form and how well he’s playing, and because without Mbappé, it’s even more important, he really deserves it”.
Arbeloa on what happened to Mbappé
“Yesterday he had to leave training and it’s true that he’d been feeling discomfort on other days… and we’d decided to play him. But after yesterday, we talked and thought it was best for him to stop and come back 100%. From now on, we’ll wait and see. We’ll see if it’s a matter of days. Let’s hope it doesn’t take too long. But it will take as long as it takes for the discomfort to go away.”
Arbeloa on winning without Mbappé
“Of course not. Without Mbappé, Bellingham, Militao, Rodrygo… without all of them, it’s more difficult. That’s why today’s match is so important. To have won both games. And that with all these absences, we’ve been competitive.”
Arbeloa on being better in the second half than in the first
“Maybe not every day, but maybe all my half-time talks are better than my pre-match talks. In the first leg, we had a great first half. Today, Benfica pressed us hard and made things difficult for us. We were fortunate to equalise early on, although Güler’s goal was also disallowed. But we went from bad to worse. We’re managing to fix things in the second half, and that’s good news.”
Arbeloa on setting a target for assists from Valverde
“I’ve told him I want Ancelotti’s goals and assists, just for the sake of asking. He’s showing how important he is. He’s an extension of me on the pitch. He represents Real Madrid very well because he’s another one who doesn’t want to stop, even when he’s injured. I’m very proud.”
Arbeloa on Mbappé
“I couldn’t tell you the difference. Obviously, when he’s been rested, it’s because we think it’s necessary for him to rest, because he’s not feeling comfortable and it’s the best thing for him. If he’s not playing, it’s because he’s injured, I understand. If we want to call it an injury, we can. But I hope it’s not too serious, just a minor thing, so he can be back in a few days… or weeks.”
Arbeloa on Courtois saying that the team lacks fluidity with the ball
“All teams struggle a lot against a low block, not just Real Madrid. Any low block, with little space, is going to make it very difficult to attack. We have room for improvement there, regardless of the characteristics of our players. We also need to improve our overall attacking concept; be more organised, have more fluidity. Playing almost with our eyes closed. I’m very optimistic and I hope to be able to help them improve.”
Arbeloa on Sporting CP
“I’m just happy to be in the draw, which was the important thing. People will have got used to seeing Madrid v City, but I’m sure we’ll get that again. But it doesn’t matter. It’s going to be tough, whoever the opponent is.”