Real Madrid manager Alvaro Arbeloa has defended Antonio Rudiger amid criticism of his performance, and uncertainty over his future. The German veteran is out of contract this summer, and is fighting for a one-year extension at Santiago Bernabeu.
Ahead of the Madrid derby, Atletico Madrid manager Diego Simeone was full of praise for Arbeloa and his impact on Real Madrid. The former Castilla boss also had kind words for his opposite number, when asked what he made of Simeone referring to Atletico as ‘a group of people’, and apparently, so did Real Madrid.
“No… yes… ok, that sounds good to me (smiling). I’m focused on my team. And it’s an honor to face coaches like Diego Simeone, who has been showing his quality and talent as a coach at Atletico Madrid for many years. Where he took them, consistency he didn’t keep, and that’s where he put AS Madrid again…”
“It’s an honor because he’s the type of coach that pushes you to your limits, demands your best, and makes you think twice about every game. So… well, I’ll say it again: it’s an honor to be able to face the best coaches in the world.”
‘Rudiger is an example for young players’
Another talking point in his press conference was Antonio Rudiger. The 33-year-old has come under fire in recent weeks, not only for kneeing Getafe’s Diego Rico in the head, but also claiming that Rico would not have stood up if he had intended to hurt him. With Real Madrid reportedly willing to offer him a new contract, Arbeloa was asked about his future.
“I don’t like to get involved in these issues; I have a lot of respect for the team and the player, and they are the two sides that need to get along. But if you ask me … I am willing to have a picture of Rüdiger made and placed in my garden. He is a player who, from the first day I arrived, who made himself available to the coach, said, ‘I will remember well’ the coaching staff. here in March when difficult times come, I will be ready.’ And he certainly was.”
“It was fortunate that the relationship he had with Niko (Mihic) in London worked out the way it did. He is a great example for all young players to look up to. And… I hope Real Madrid fans know how lucky we are to have him at this club. And they will always be grateful for the effort, personality, and character he brings to his team as a player who can only say great things about Antonio. Rüdiger.”
‘His influence goes beyond the pitch’ – Arbeloa to Carvajal
Another veteran whose future is uncertain is Dani Carvajal, who is also out of contract this summer. The news this week was that he was left out of Luis de la Fuente’s Spain squad ahead of the World Cup.
“I have to think about Real Madrid, and that’s what I did when I put Carvajal on the field, like at Elche, where he was able to play 90 minutes. I think that will help him; it will be very good for him to get back into the rhythm and continue to help us. Like he did in the matches with Manchester City. He is available.”
“And as always, he is a player whose influence goes beyond what he does on the field, which is very important, very important, yes, we cannot deny that. In the end, that is what football players want and how they help. But… well, the importance of each of his messages in the dressing room… I think he helps his teammates a lot. And that is what we need a leader, a good leader for me? To lead both on and off the field because he is a leader everywhere, or he is not a leader at all.
De la Fuente has included Pedro Porro and Marcos Llorente as his options at right back ahead of Carvajal, who has not played regularly since returning from a knee injury in January. The manager of Spain explained that Carvajal still has a chance to play in the World Cup team.
