Arbeloa: Ask Barcelona and Flick, and Here's Mbappe's Condition
Friday 13-02-2026
Real Madrid coach Álvaro Arbeloa appeared in a press conference to discuss tomorrow's match against Real Sociedad in the 24th round of La Liga, which will take place at the Santiago Bernabéu.

The coach said: 'We know Real Sociedad's current level and how well they are performing with their new coach, who remains unbeaten after facing both Barcelona and Atlético Madrid. We know them well, and we understand the difficulty of tomorrow's match. Once again, we must give our best if we want to secure the three points.'

Regarding Kylian Mbappe's condition, he added: 'Mbappe is fine. He trained with the team and is ready for tomorrow's match. Mbappe is fine. He trained with the team and is ready for tomorrow's match.'

On the club's agreement with UEFA and the end of the Super League project: 'The club issued its statement, which I referred to. It's an excellent agreement for football, and that's how it will be seen.'

He continued: 'I have 25 players available every week. The starting lineup I choose is the best I have for that specific match, and I have 15 other players who are at a very high level. I'm fortunate to have an exceptional team, and I want every player to feel important. No one knows when opportunities might arise. I want them to feel that everyone is important.'

He followed up: 'How do you envision the best version of this team? I don't think beyond tomorrow's match. If you asked me in five years, I would say the same thing: there's always room for improvement. But I'm very happy with how we've trained this week.'

He explained: 'Did you talk to Carvajal? Yes, as I do with everyone. We sit and talk; I like to know what they are thinking. His condition is improving, and he completed another week of training... and of course, I care the most about his return to top form. A player who doesn't get the minutes he wants or plays little, I don't expect him to be happy. And I'm not just talking about Carvajal, but about any player. Everyone here wants to contribute on the field and feel important. If they reached Real Madrid, it's because they were very important in their teams. I always encourage them to work harder, and when someone isn't happy... they come to the gray couch. There's no other response. Always with team unity and prioritizing the group's interest over the individual, as happens in this group. This is the way.'

He explained: 'Do you like talking to players a lot? Yes, very much, that's what I love and my way of working. When I was a player, I loved this relationship with the coach. And now that I'm in this seat, I try to talk to everyone about everything, especially football matters. The door is always open for everyone. They know where I am. Sometimes they come, and sometimes I invite them. And that's what really matters to me, more than any leaks that might come from different sources. My focus is a good and close relationship with all my players.'

He emphasized: 'Did any criticisms surprise you this month? No. I'm new to this seat, but I'm not new to Real Madrid. Nothing surprises me.'

Regarding the dinner meeting the players had at a restaurant: 'I love seeing them united. This is one of the things I've emphasized since my arrival: the importance of cohesion in the next four months. Whatever the circumstances, we remain united. Seeing them dine together makes me happy. We trained wonderfully; Tuesday's training was excellent and focused. And after that, I'm happy for them to dine whenever they want, as it's always a positive thing. I also miss the dinners from my time... which Cristiano attended many of.'

He continued: 'Did you watch the Barcelona and Atlético Madrid match? Did you enjoy it, are there positive impressions, and do you see Barcelona weaker than before? No, I have no comment. Ask Barcelona and Flick.'

Regarding Haussen and Asensio: 'In Valencia, we fielded a younger defense line from three reserve teams in the first division. We have players with tremendous potential despite their ages, some of whom perhaps should have played in lower divisions and are now internationals. It's not easy to be a defender at Real Madrid, and I know that well. I'm very happy with them.'

He concluded: 'How did you find the coaching seat at Real Madrid? (smiles) Coaching the best team in the world is an honor and privilege I will enjoy until the last day.'

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