Álvaro Arbeloa compared to the media after his team’s victory against Benfica. First he spoke with Movistar+.
Asencio: “It seems like something about the neck, it doesn’t seem serious. He went to the hospital, I hope it’s just a scare. The blow was tremendous, our stomach shrank. But it seems like it’s going to be nothing.”
The bad start: “In any game you are not going to have it easy, you are going to suffer, it is the best competition in Europe. They have pressed us, it was difficult for us to get out, there was space behind us and we did not take advantage of it. Until we corrected that a little, from the break, and there things went better for us. We went further.”
Tchouameni’s goal: “Very important, we have talked about it a lot these days, he is at a spectacular level. If he was able to accompany, he was going to score goals. He is the first of many that he is going to score, I hope.”
Vinícius: “He played a great game, very unbalanced, scoring goals, creating danger. He has many MVPs at home, they are good for Tchouaumeni, that dark work that he usually does is not recognized much. When Mbappé was there we already needed him, and now that he is not there much more. He must be our leader and our reference. We have seen that he can make a difference.”
Mourinho: “I haven’t been able to see him.”
Rival for round of 16: “Whoever comes, we have two possible rivals, it will be very complicated. There is no predilection.”
news conference
What did you feel about Vinicius’ goal? “Joy, because he has done well and he deserves it. Because of his form and how well he is playing. And because without Mbappé, it is even more important. He deserves it a lot.”
What happened to Mbappé? “Yesterday he had to leave training and it is true that other days he had felt discomfort… and we had decided to play. But after yesterday, we talked and we thought that the best thing was for him to stop and return to 100%. From now on, wait. We will see if it is a matter of days. Let’s hope it doesn’t last too long. But it will be as long as it takes for the discomfort to disappear.”
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It is not easy to live without Mbappé… “Of course not. Without Mbappé, Bellingham, Militao, Rodrygo… without all of them, it is more difficult. That is why today’s game is so important. Having won both games. And with all these losses, we have competed.”
Why does it seem that the team is better in the second half than in the first? “Maybe not every day, but maybe all my half-time talks are better than the pre-match ones. In the first leg we had a great first half. Today Benfica pushed a lot, they put us in difficulty. We were fortunate to tie early, although they also annulled Güler’s goal. But we went from bad to bad. We are being able to fix things in the second half and that is good news.”
Two assists from Valverde… Have you asked him for a number, with Ancelotti with the goals? “I have told him that I want Ancelotti’s goals and assists, for asking for it not to be left. He is showing the importance he has. He is an extension of me on the field of play. He represents very well what Real Madrid is, because he is another of those who does not want to stop, even with discomfort. I am very proud.”
Does Mbappé have discomfort or is he injured? “I wouldn’t know how to tell you the difference. Obviously when he has stopped it is because we believe it is necessary for him to stop, because he is not feeling comfortable and that is the best. If he does not play it is because he is injured, I understand. If we want to call it an injury, we can do so. But I hope it is not very serious, a small thing; that he can return in a few days… or weeks.”
Courtois has said that the team lacks fluidity with the ball. Can you improve this? “All teams get choked up a lot by a low block; not just Real Madrid. Any low block, with little space, is going to make your attack very difficult. We have room for improvement there, regardless of the characteristics of our players. We also need to improve a global attack concept; be more organized, have more fluidity. Play almost with our eyes closed. I am very optimistic and I hope to be able to make them improve.”
Do you prefer Sporting CP? “My body asks me to be in the hype, which was the important thing. People will have gotten used to seeing Madrid-City, but I’m sure it will be our turn again. But it doesn’t matter. It’s going to be a bone, no matter who the rival is.”
Have you seen Mourinho? “Well, I haven’t seen it.”
Is Mbappé’s injury to the external lateral ligament? “We have a diagnosis, but the health of the players and those data, I am not the one who has to give them. But we are very clear about what was happening to him, how it happened. And what we want is for him to recover, to be 100% and that is why we have decided to stop.”
Valverde has ended up on the left wing… Why? “In the first half it was a bit punctual, because many times after a play you have to be able to exchange. We are doing that well. But in the second, when Mastantuono came out, he occupied the left… but not for anything special, but because we wanted to bring on Franco and Fede is essential, whichever side he plays on.”
Have you told Mourinho your opinion of the Portuguese teams? “I haven’t spoken to José; I’ve sent him my regards through the Benfica people. But nothing more. Let’s think about Friday… and the draw. The Portuguese teams are very competitive, as we’ve seen today. I think the Youth League team also had Sporting CP so… let’s see what the hot balls have in store for us.”
How would you like to travel to Portugal again? “If it’s our turn, he will be delighted. It is a neighboring country with which we have a great relationship. And it is a city that will always bring great memories to us Madrid fans.”
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