Arbeloa: We Will Face a Great Team, and This is the Situation with Mbappe and Bellingham
Saturday 21-03-2026
Real Madrid coach Álvaro Arbeloa appeared at a press conference to discuss tomorrow's match against Atlético Madrid, in the 29th round of the Spanish League, which will take place at the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium.

The coach said, "We will approach the match with great enthusiasm and passion. It is a very important match for us because of the three points, as well as the fans and the fantastic atmosphere in the stadium recently. There is a lot of excitement. It's one of the best matches a player or a fan can experience... and certainly the coach as well. I look forward to seeing the Bernabeu full. We arrive with great enthusiasm and a strong desire to face a great team."

He added: "Courtois' condition? There are always risks when involving any player. Very few players play when they are in perfect 100% condition. This is normal. He wanted to continue after the break, but I decided to stop him. Also because of my great confidence in Lunin. He is a great goalkeeper and will prove it. We have the best goalkeeper in history, and if he is absent, we have another. We do not set any date for his return."

He continued: "Mbappe's condition? I previously said that when he returns, he will be 100% ready. He proved that in Manchester. His feeling is the most important thing. We have complete confidence in him. He is fully ready and has completely recovered. He will play tomorrow, and I see no issue with him joining the national team."

He added: "What will happen with Thiago Beitarach when the main players return? When we reach that stage, we will handle it. Bellingham's return is excellent news, and Thiago's level is also great. We have many matches, and I love these 'problems.' They can play together as well."

He continued: "What is Bellingham's role? We all attack and defend together. We will find the most suitable role for him, that's my job. Without the ball, the whole team must work. The mentality is collective. I don't see a problem with having great players, and if there is a problem, it's a 'beautiful problem'."

Regarding Rüdiger's future and whether he wants him to continue next season: "I don't like to interfere in these matters; I respect the club and the player. But I'm ready to make a statue of him in my garden. From day one, he has been at the service of the coaching staff. He told me he would be ready in March, and here he is. His treatment in London was successful. The fans should realize how lucky we are to have him."

Regarding Bellingham's call-up to the England national team: "He is fully ready because of Mbappe, and it's natural to call him up to the national team. He is a smart player."

Regarding Diego Simeone's statements where he said his team is the people's team: "I see it as a good thing. I am focused on my team. Facing a coach like Diego Simeone is a great honor. He has proven his quality for many years with Atletico Madrid. He is the kind who pushes you to the highest level and forces you to think a lot. It's wonderful to face the best coaches in the world."

He added, "Would you prefer the players to stay during international breaks? It's not up to me. These players are very important to us, as well as to their national teams. The World Cup is coming, and I completely understand that. I will wait for their return in a few days."

Regarding Dani Carvajal's situation: "I always think about the best interests of Real Madrid. Carvajal is very important, not only on the field but also off it. He helps his teammates a lot. This is what we need: a leader. Because a leader is a leader everywhere."

Regarding maintaining defensive balance with Bellingham's return: "We work as a team, then make adjustments according to the players. It's not the same playing with Bellingham, Arda, or Thiago. Everyone knows their duties and puts their talent at the service of the team."

He noted: "How do you make the attackers understand each other better? That's the role of the coaches, but I have a great locker room. The players are harmonious and intelligent. With talent and understanding, everything becomes easier."

He concluded: "With the abundance of young players, do you feel there is a change at Real Madrid? As I said, this club is home to the best in the world, and making decisions is not easy. But those who participate do so because they deserve it. I trust the players. They have proven it: Thiago, Palacios, Diego Aguado, and Manuel Angel... all of them have performed well."

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