Real Madrid coach Álvaro Arbeloa appeared at a press conference to talk about tomorrow’s match against Monaco in the seventh round of the Champions League group stage at Santiago Bernabéu Stadium.

The coach began his speech addressing the tragic incident in the city of Córdoba: "I would like to extend my sincerest condolences to the families and relatives of the victims of the incident that occurred yesterday in Córdoba. From Real Madrid, we send them all our love and full support."

He added: "The team is in good shape, excited and positive after Saturday’s win. Our full focus is on tomorrow’s match, fully aware that this competition is very important to us. Winning tomorrow will bring us much closer to our goal. We are conscious of the significance of the game and want to deliver a great performance and dedicate the victory to our fans."

He continued: "Vinícius? What he wants and what I want and hope will happen is for the Bernabéu to support all its players, and of course Vinícius Jr. He is a player who has been writing his history with Real Madrid for many years. He has given us two Champions League titles and magical nights. He needs the Bernabéu to show the best version of himself. His heart is very big, he is passionate, and so is his football. He loves this badge and the fans and wants them by his side. As a coach, it makes me happy to see the Bernabéu standing with its players."

He added: "Does the team lack a creative midfielder? I said from day one that I have an exceptional squad and a lot of luck. Over these past six days, I realized they are even better up close than I imagined. I came here to compete for all the titles, which are the league and the Champions League. That is our goal, and we will do whatever it takes to fight for them."

He emphasized: "We really want the fans to be by our side, because without them our chances diminish greatly. When Real Madrid won titles, it was largely thanks to the power of the Bernabéu. If you ask any rival about Real Madrid’s magical comebacks, everyone will tell you about the atmosphere the Bernabéu creates. Our job is to bring them joy again."

He added: "What should the players do to stop the boos? They have to do what they did in the last match, nothing different. They went out, asked for the ball, showed high spirit, and were decisive. They delivered an excellent second half that closely approached what we want to see from the team. This is the Vinícius Jr. and Bellingham we want to see. They are among the best in the world and need the fans to bring out the best version of themselves."

Regarding the boos at the Bernabéu: "As an academy graduate, a player, and especially as a coach, I have great respect for the Bernabéu fans. They have the right to express their opinion in the way they see fit. I believe the boos weaken Real Madrid. I know there are campaigns to weaken the club, I know who is behind them, and no one will fool me. But my respect and gratitude for the Bernabéu are very great because they have always treated me exceptionally, and they want the same thing I want: for the team to win titles."

About his conversation with Vinícius Jr. after training today regarding fines on players: "We finished watching the video and some players were fixing their hair and even putting on cologne. We had to leave faster, it was just a funny moment, nothing more."

On Carlo Ancelotti’s presence in the stands against Levante: "I mark him absent. He did not come to see me or even greet me. If he is present tomorrow, I hope he comes down and visits his players, and I am one of them. It was a great fortune for me to train under the most decorated coach in Real Madrid’s history, the one with the most Champions League titles and the only one to have won the five major leagues. I have a strong desire to see him and give him a big hug."

On the quality of the squad he coaches: "This badge always demands effort from you, and that is what I ask of my players. I said this after last Wednesday’s match. I saw players with an exceptional mentality: pressing, falling back when needed, compactness, fighting... I have no doubt that effort is a fundamental element, and the players know that. We will try to be a team that gives its all, knowing the characteristics of each player. At Real Madrid, no one spares effort, and that is the foundation."

On his relationship with the fans: "I know the Bernabéu crowd well because I was part of it, and I told the players that. If there is something that distinguishes them, it is fairness. Now it is our turn to turn the boos into applause and to show the effort being made. We are working on that and know they will be by our side, and we have no doubt about it. The team is very excited to arrive tomorrow at the Bernabéu and play in front of its fans."

He noted: "I am the Real Madrid coach and my full focus is on the Monaco match, on the opponent in front of us. That is what occupies me and my team: preparing to deliver a great game, to improve, and for the players to understand better every day what I want from them."

He concluded: "Is it possible to exclude Vinícius Jr.? I don’t know if it’s clear enough. Vinícius Jr. will always be on the field as long as he is available and performing at his known level. He is an exceptional and wonderful player, and I want the ball to reach his feet as many times as possible because he is very decisive. If I want to compete for titles, I need Vinícius on the field, not off it."