Real Madrid manager Alvaro Arbeloa has insisted that the team he wants to see will be based on values rather than a specific plan, as the media sought more details on his vision for the side. He also refused to give more information about what changes he has made in the regime of Mr. Xabi Alonso who preceded him.
Arbeloa confirmed that Rodrygo Goes will return from injury after missing the last three games with a hamstring problem. Brahim Diaz, Raul Asencio and youngster Joan Martinez are expected to be in the squad to face Villarreal on Saturday night. Asked for details on the style of play he is trying to implement, Arbeloa told the media that unity and dedication are the most important.
“Winning is the most important thing here, regardless of how it’s done. I want to see the character and the attitude he showed one day. It perfectly sums up what Real Madrid is about, that unity and commitment. Those are our principles; we must never abandon them.”
Changes from Alvaro Arbeloa to Xabi Alonso
It has been reported that Arbeloa’s management has taken a less experienced role than during Alonso’s tenure, and he also appears to be more in touch with his players, if leaks from Valdebebas are to be believed. Arbeloa would not be drawn to explain the change seen in the atmosphere within the group.
“I’m talking about the ten days I’ve been here, that’s what I have to talk about, I believe and I hope that the Monaco game will change. We have a lot of work to do, but from the first day I saw a team that is willing to work.”
“We hope that this is the moment of change that we need. Kylian said it, it was our time to stand up and show the crowd what we want to do. To make them happy. It is important, and the players have done it, with effort and humility, with unity, which is very important to achieve our goals. Hopefully, everything will continue like this.”
“I try to help the players, I can’t talk about what happened in the past, about whether they are happy or not happier than before about the changes, what I have seen is that they are willing to work, they welcome me with open arms, which I am very grateful for.”
Jude Bellingham, Fede Valverde and Eduardo Camavinga
It came as a surprise on Tuesday night when Jude Bellingham celebrated in response to small reports that he was enjoying the life of the party. The England international struggled for his best form under Alonso, but he scored against AS Monaco, and Arbeloa was delighted with his contributions.
“For me, I can only talk about what I experienced. In the matches with him, even in the training sessions, he showed his ability, his skills, his leadership, his character. The effort he made was very good; he has a winning mentality, he has everything a Real Madrid player needs. I am happy for him, and we should be happy for him.”
Bellingham was also considered as one of the players who did not believe Alonso’s statement, although he strongly denied this. The same was true of Fede Valverde, who publicly lamented that he is not a right-back after being used there. Valverde and Eduardo Camavinga started at right and left back against Monaco, who the Frenchman has previously expressed his displeasure with playing for.
“What I can say is that the players are willing to help. They put the team first than themselves. It’s not that they didn’t cause problems in those situations; they both played great games. They played in a strange way. That’s what I want to see: players who are determined and available to the team. They are flexible and have amazing skills. They have skills, which allows them to play wherever they want.”
Real Madrid face Villarreal at La Ceramica on Saturday night at 21:00 CEST, and will likely be without Trent Alexander-Arnold, Eder Militao, Antonio Rudiger and Ferland Mendy.
