Real Madrid have unveiled Alvaro Arbeloa as their new manager, following the departure of Xabi Alonso on Monday. Los Blancos face Albacete in the Copa del Rey on Wednesday evening in their first match under Arbeloa, but he was asked about his relationship with Alonso, where he felt the problems under their former boss, and what kind of football he intended to play.
Alvaro Arbeloa’s full press conference:
Have you spoken to Xabi Alonso?
“After I found out the decision of the club and Xabi to reach a separation agreement, you all know the relationship I have with Xabi is very close. I actually spoke to him after that.
Are you a temporary manager or a permanent manager?
“I have lived in my home for 20 years. I can tell you that I will be here until Real Madrid tells me to leave.
What did you discuss with Xabi Alonso and what are the problems facing the team?
“Man, it is clear that what I discussed with Xabi will remain between us. I have great motivation to start my first game, where we will play with everything on the line. I am happy to have a high-quality team in my hands. And I am very excited.”
Do you think the team is dedicated enough?
“We have all seen the last few games, and the season, and how they put in a lot of effort in the Supercup. I think there is a team ready to give everything, we know the needs of Real Madrid. Let’s not forget that there are players in the team who have won six Champions Leagues, some have already won others. It seems that that has been forgotten very quickly.”
“The only way to win this badge is hard work, sacrifice and consistency. That’s what took Real Madrid to become the best club in the world and all the honors it has.”
How do you manage egos in the dressing room?
“It’s not a big concern for me. We have a team with good players, and they are all really good guys. Nobody is more interested in winning titles than the players themselves. I told them that the best time of my life was playing for Real Madrid, and they should enjoy it. They want it for themselves. It was a good first impression of mine.”
What problems did you find?
“There’s next season, and we’re in good shape for all the competitions. That’s what I focus on: being with everyone, getting to know each other, working with them… The important thing is for them to be happy, to enjoy themselves on the field. Wearing this badge is the best thing that can happen to you in life. We want to fight for everything.”
What does fair play mean to you?
“Real Madrid has a history of 120 years, and it is difficult for things to be seen. Some of us here have won three Champions League titles, and I know where I stand. I know the demands placed on us and what it means to play well, what the fans want to see. Here, winning is what matters.”
How is your relationship with Xabi Alonso?
“There was nothing that interfered with our relationship, he wished me well as I wished him the same.
Can academy players make an impact?
“The best youth academy in the world for me. There are players who came through La Fabrica. Tomorrow we will face some of them, I was very lucky to work with them. [against Albacete]. They brought me to where I am today. They know they have a great opportunity; the first team coach knows them better than anyone. They know the needs of Real Madrid, and they know that I trust them.”
Have you spoken to Mourinho, and what impact did he have on you?
“I haven’t spoken to him yet. For me, it was an honor to be trained by him, someone who had a big impact on me. I will be like Arbeloa; I’m not afraid of failure, but if I try to be like Mourinho, I can fail spectacularly.”
Who have been your biggest influences?
“I have had many coaches. They have been very important in my career, they have had a big impact. You have your own way of life and you take the best from each one. Many are legends, they have won everything in football. I hope I do half as much as many of them.”
What role will Antonio Pintus play in the team’s physical preparation?
“For me, it’s a privilege to have Pintus in the coaching team. He has five European Cups under his belt. He will carry that quality; he knows the players well and has his method which we know works well here. It’s a pleasure to have him and to learn from him. I’m incredibly lucky.”
In Castilla, he had a lot of courage with the referee. How will you handle it now?
“I haven’t played a game yet and you’re already asking me about it… I’m more focused on tomorrow’s game.”
Which Real Madrid do you want to see?
“This club is about winning, winning, and winning again. It’s in our DNA. That’s what led us to fill the trophy cabinets. When I was a player, I found those values in the dressing room; it’s the most important thing. That’s my job, my passion, and I’ll live it every day.”
Did you go through a situation similar to Vinicius in El Clasico? And how can you treat a star player who behaves like this?
“I don’t focus on situations that haven’t happened yet; I focus on tomorrow’s game. I’m lucky to have Vini; he’s loved by all the fans. We all saw the final game; it’s Vini we want to see, the one enjoying himself, laughing, dancing… It’s Vini I want to see.”
What did you learn from your first training session?
“A group of very determined players, despite the effort this week, I saw a lot of determination. They have the same enthusiasm as me to fight for everything and win.”
Is it a clean slate for the players?
“Everyone starts from scratch, it’s a new beginning. That’s it, it’s a new beginning for everyone, we start with the match against Albacete. All the players are very eager, they showed me that enthusiasm.”
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First impressions
Arbeloa cut a confident figure in his first press conference, and he was very willing to make friends: he praised the quality of the team, the personality of the players, and made sure to refer to the greatness of Real Madrid. His image as a team man, and Florentino Perez also held firm. On the other hand, he was reluctant to commit to what he would try to change, or how his side would play. In addition, he played down comparisons with former manager Jose Mourinho.
