Real Madrid is preparing to regain its local balance as it hosts Elche tomorrow, Saturday, at the Santiago Bernabeu, as part of the 28th round of the Spanish League. This match comes at a sensitive time for the royal team, as it must separate the struggle for the La Liga title from preparing for the crucial second leg in the UEFA Champions League.

The Merengues are entering the match under great pressure, especially after the significant physical effort exerted by the players in the recent European confrontation. Coach Alvaro Arbeloa aims to prove his team's ability to rotate and deal with major absences, relying on a mix of experience and the ambition of young talents emerging from the academy.

Regarding changing the team's mentality after the Champions League and focusing on the local league, Arbeloa said: "It's complicated, of course. You have to make the desire to win in your players equal to the great motivations that the opponent has. I'm sure we won't see the version of Elche that appeared in past rounds; it's natural for them to give everything they have at the Bernabeu. That's why it's very difficult to be a player in Madrid because you're always required to have a winning personality and put in extra effort. There's no room for doubts or excuses tomorrow."

About Kylian Mbappe's current situation and his potential participation in the Manchester match, he continued: "Kylian is improving day by day, and his development is progressing according to the plan. He won't be present in tomorrow's match against Elche, but I have great confidence in his ability to travel with us to Manchester. We will decide on Sunday how ready he is, and I hope he will be there before joining the French national team."

Regarding rotation to avoid fatigue before facing City, he added: "We will field the best possible lineup tomorrow to achieve victory. I'm not thinking about anything else. The players' job is to give their utmost effort until they feel exhausted after every match, and they must be ready to fight tomorrow as they did last Wednesday. We are made of different clay, and we must prove that."

On the team's plans for the youth and Castilla talents, he added: "The youth must work humbly as they are doing now. It's a growth stage, and they must seize opportunities. Thiago is currently presenting a great version and continues with us for now, just like Manuel Angel and Cesar. I'm very happy with their presence, and as the injured gradually recover, we'll see what happens. But whoever continues to work and grow will certainly get their minutes."

Responding to criticism directed at physical trainer Pintus and Courtois' performance: "About Pintus, I can only say he is an exceptional professional, and we are lucky to have him with us. As for Courtois, he has played with the best goalkeepers in history, but what he does, I have never seen in my life. For me, there's no debate; he is undoubtedly the best goalkeeper in Real Madrid's history."

On what distinguishes Manuel Angel despite his short stature: "His true size lies in his heart. I have been a European and world champion with players who do not exceed 170 cm in height, and they were amazing. Manuel is a high-class player, plays with both feet, and excels at getting out of difficult situations. He is one of my favorite players, and I believe in him a lot, and I hope he continues to prove his quality."

Regarding the running index and statistics compared to competitors: "The data I have doesn't say that we run less than the competitors. We run similar distances and with high intensity, but it's not just about running. There's the tactic and mental quality. It's natural for a team with our specifications to run a little less than the opponent sometimes. The important thing is the sacrifice and defensive assistance that the players have recently provided, and we must make this spirit a permanent habit, not just for one day."