Arbeloa: This Surprises Me, and Mbappe May Get Minutes

Real Madrid coach Álvaro Arbeloa appeared at a press conference to discuss tomorrow's match against Oviedo in the 36th round of the Spanish League, at the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium.

The coach said, "It's the penultimate match on our home ground in a league season that slipped away from us last Sunday. We bear the responsibility of playing in front of our fans, and we fully understand what awaits us. We want to prove in these three matches that we deserve to wear this badge and perform our role to the fullest."

He added, "Real Madrid is stronger when its fans and the team are united. This has been the case throughout our history and on our greatest nights. We always come back, and the aspirations of Real Madrid and its fans are very high. We are not satisfied with just winning, and we know that losing is extremely painful, more than any other club in the world. I am sure we will win again."

He continued: "I am not here to comment on the president's press conference. Any Real Madrid fan who listened to it would agree that he must defend the interests of the club and its members. They would also agree that Real Madrid is treated very differently from other clubs. If there is a strength to this club, it is its members and fans. No one will dictate to us how we think or how we act."

Regarding the Negreira case: "We all know what happened over more than twenty years, as far as we know... Certainly, there are things we are unaware of, and we all hope that a case involving a financial payment to the Vice President of the Arbitration Committee by a club will be resolved. This is illegal and illogical, and it seems inconceivable that Real Madrid is the only one wanting to defend the integrity of football."

He added, "Will Kylian Mbappe play? We'll see if he can finish today's training session. He trained yesterday, and if he completes the session, he will get minutes to show his commitment to the club, despite the four cards he has, and he will try to play the remaining three matches."

He continued: "Did you talk to Carvajal about his absence from the preliminary World Cup squad? I haven't talked to him about the list, and it's unfortunate because I always want him on my team, but we must respect the decisions of other coaches. It's unfortunate that he won't be representing the national team. He returned to group training yesterday, and I believe he will be available, and I hope he finishes the season by participating in matches."

Regarding the contract with José Mourinho and whether he will be part of his coaching staff: "I understand these questions, but please respect my desire to focus on the match. After the league ends, I will be able to answer everything. Right now, we are only thinking about Oviedo."

Regarding his future: "I understand the doubts, and if I were in your position, I would ask the same questions. But my philosophy is not to think about myself, but about what is best for Real Madrid."

Regarding the presence of only one Real Madrid player in the Spanish national team: "There are many Spanish players in the team, and the coach is the one who decides. Real Madrid has always been accustomed to having a large number of national team representatives, and I was one of them and had a wonderful period. The decision is up to the coach, and I support my team's players because they have proven their great value this season. Every coach has his own convictions, and I have all the respect for De la Fuente."

He said, "Will you vote for Florentino Perez in the elections? I am not a club member, so I will not vote, but I knew Real Madrid before Florentino and after him, and I know how the club was before his arrival and how it has become over 26 years. I hold on to these years. Real Madrid fans realize what Florentino has done beyond the titles, and if there is someone capable of changing the current situation, it is Florentino Perez."

He emphasized, "Do you think Mbappe has given his all? Certainly, and I can't think otherwise, or else I wouldn't know where I am. Playing for Real Madrid is a blessing for everyone, and we must recognize the value of being here. Players will be remembered throughout their lives because they played for this club. Real Madrid leaves a significant impact on anyone's life and gives us more than any individual can offer the club."

He noted, "I understand the criticisms related to my decisions. Sometimes I say what I think, and sometimes what I should say. But my relationship with the players has always been this way, even in youth teams. The coach must be a shield to protect his players. When I'm with them, I say things that shouldn't be said here, always with respect. I have been strict with them, pressured them, and explained what needs to be developed, what we did well, and where we went wrong. I will not change the way I defended my team's players."

Has the team hit rock bottom this season? That surprises me. If Real Madrid is at the bottom, what about the other clubs? We haven't gone fifty years without titles, and it's natural for expectations to be high because this is Real Madrid. I don't think anyone can definitively say that Real Madrid won't win anything next season. I don't see instability within the club or the locker room. The club has been doing many things right for years, its financial situation is excellent, and it has great players. Certainly, the management will conduct the necessary analysis in the summer to strengthen the team and make Real Madrid stronger. But this is sports; you can't win the Champions League or the league every year. With the right work and mentality, Real Madrid will definitely return to winning."

He concluded: "Do you understand that some players might be cautious about playing with the World Cup approaching after the team is out of the league race? This hasn't happened with me, and I hope it doesn't. I was very careful with the players, and in 95% of the cases, I tried not to take risks and gradually gave minutes after injuries. It's easy to do the opposite because we are playing for big goals and want the best players on the field, but I took care of everyone and will continue to do so. I hope all players finish the season while participating in matches, and I don't think anyone will avoid challenges out of fear of the World Cup. There are still many things to prove in the remaining three matches."