Real Madrid coach Álvaro Arbeloa appeared in a press conference to talk about tomorrow's match against Espanyol, in the 35th round of La Liga, at the RCDE Stadium.

The coach said: "I expect a match between two teams that need to win, given our different circumstances. It's always a tough stadium, with great fans and a great coach. What I've seen from Espanyol this season has impressed me a lot, and I have great respect for them for tomorrow's important match."

He added about his issue with Ceballos: "I don't get involved in public discussions about my situation with my players. The first thing I learned when I arrived 20 years ago is that what happens in the Real Madrid locker room stays in the Real Madrid locker room."

Regarding the appointment of a new coach: "What worries me is tomorrow's match. That's all I focus on. For me, the future is tomorrow. I understand these questions and all these issues, but my answer will always be the same: the most important thing is tomorrow's match against Espanyol."

On the lack of leadership spirit in the locker room: "We are a very young team, but I've also talked about many players with strong personalities and extensive experience who are performing excellently. When you have a young team, you may face some common mistakes that young teams encounter, but we also have distinguished leaders."

Regarding the connection of Mourinho with coaching the team: "I understand the questions, but my only answer is that the future is tomorrow, the match, winning the three points. Every match is my life. It's the most important."

On the future of Gonzalo Garcia: "These are decisions for the player and the club. They will decide. I know Gonzalo well; he has exceptional abilities. It's true he doesn't get enough playing opportunities, but I see him working hard, and his future is promising. It's a position with fierce competition, but that doesn't mean he isn't performing well. When I needed him, he met my expectations."

Whether he feels disappointed by the players: "Of course not. I defend them publicly. I am at their disposal thanks to what they offer me daily. That's what a coach should do. We have an open relationship with most of them. Anything that needs solving stays between us. I will always defend them in this position."

On the team's decline in performance compared to the past two years: "These are assessments for the press. We have lost points against opponents we shouldn't have conceded goals from, and that's what hurts us more. There are situations that are difficult to control, and they happen a lot. We have to fight."

He continued regarding Franco Mastantono: "The same applies to him, but I have to say he is a young man who works hard. When he plays, he has a desire to show his abilities and the reason why Real Madrid signed him. He could have played for the youth team, but he has great talent and maturity; he doesn't seem eighteen. He has a bright future, thanks to his talent, commitment, and mentality... Argentinians here fit well with Real Madrid. I hope we enjoy his presence for many years."

He noted: "There are many matches. The results are far from the level of Real Madrid. These days, you can't win against any team just by getting off the bus. We have to improve a lot as a team. With the talents we have, we can't be content with ball possession and individual play. We need a plan, structure, and a way to disrupt the opponent... They have a different mentality, and we paid the price with points."

He concluded about the possibility of holding a guard of honor for Barcelona if they win the title before the El Clasico: "That's not my biggest motivation. Winning the three points is what we need. That's my motivation."