Real Madrid head coach Alvaro Arbeloa faced the media ahead of a defining UEFA Champions League night at the Santiago Bernabeu.
With a narrow 1-0 advantage from the first leg in Lisbon, Madrid know there is no room for distraction — even though the build-up has been dominated by controversy.
Asked what kind of Madrid side fans can expect, Arbeloa kept his answer clear and direct.
“One very similar to the one in Lisbon. That’s what I want and hope for,” he began saying.
On Gianluca Prestianni
The ongoing disciplinary situation involving Gianluca Prestianni was inevitably raised.
Arbeloa made his position clear without overstepping boundaries.
“We haven’t discussed it in the dressing room, but my opinion remains the same: this is an opportunity to strike a blow against racism.
Gianluca Prestianni will be under the spotlight. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)
“UEFA has always flown the flag in this fight and now has the chance to make a real impact.”
He stressed that the squad’s mindset remains locked on performance.
“We’re very focused on the game. On performing at a high level, on projecting a great image. On winning.
“And that’s where we’re putting all our energy and effort. The rest… is not our concern. It’s not us who have to make those decisions, but UEFA.”
On Mourinho and Courtois
Regarding recent comments made by Thibaut Courtois about Jose Mourinho, Arbeloa reinforced the central message.
“I think the same as I said last week, here and in Lisbon: Vini scored a very nice goal, a great goal. And nothing he can do, or has done, justifies an act of racism.
“I said it, and I’ll say it again: that’s the most important thing. Nothing justifies an act of racism.”
Furthermore, on whether Benfica are weakened without Mourinho on the bench, Arbeloa added,
“Just as the team is focused on playing a great game, so am I. It won’t be the first time in Mourinho’s career that he hasn’t been on the bench, and his teams have always performed well.
“I expect a great team tomorrow, with some adjustments after the first leg. I hope we see a great game, a great show… and that Madrid wins.”
On Vini and Mbappe
He also provided updates on key players. On Vinicius Jr., he said,
Real Madrid will need the best version of Vinicius. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)
“He’s doing very well, he’s really eager. He’s very motivated for these kinds of games.
“We want to get the most out of him, so that he can have opportunities to show his full potential. We need him to have another great game tomorrow.”
When asked if Vinicius has moved on from the entire episode, Arbeloa responded,
“He has always shown a lot of courage and character. Anyone else in his situation, I don’t know how I would react. He has always been brave.
“And tomorrow he will go out and fight. To prove that he is one of the best players on the planet.”
As for Kylian Mbappe, there was reassurance.
“He’s ready to play tomorrow, which is the most important thing right now. It’s been several weeks and everyone knows that, but I want to highlight his effort and commitment.
“He’s a game-changer and defenders know that he can decide a game at any moment. He’s ready for tomorrow and I’m sure he’ll have a great game.”
On Mbappe’s positioning, Arbeloa added, “I don’t think his problem is scoring goals. You make decisions on the field, and if I had to highlight one of his qualities, it’s that he’s very intelligent.
“He knows exactly where to move. There will be times to create inside the box and others outside it.
“But Kylian knows exactly what he has to do on the field, and you only have to look at his stats to understand that he does it well.”
Source: AS