Real Madrid manager, Alvaro Arbeloa, has fueled the debate about the best goalkeeper in the club’s history. The Belgian produced another impressive performance on Wednesday night against Manchester City, maintaining his clean sheet, and adding another highlight to his valuable catalogue.
After the 3-0 win at the Bernabeu, Arbeloa told the media that he had never seen anyone like Courtois, sparking a debate over whether Courtois or Iker Casillas were the best in the club’s history. ‘San Iker’, a product of the academy, pulls strongly in the hearts of Madridistas, but Arbeloa doubled on Friday, calling Courtois the best in the history of Real Madrid.
“I have played with the best goalkeepers in the world, some of them are considered the best in history. But what Courtois has done, I have never seen anyone else. There is no debate, he is undoubtedly the best goalkeeper in the history of Real Madrid. For me.”
Real Madrid beat Manchester City on Wednesday
As the attitude of Real Madrid’s dressing room has been scrutinized over the past 18 months, one of the statistics that has made the rounds many times after a big defeat has been the total distance the team has run. Real Madrid struggled to match rivals Arsenal last season in the Champions League quarter-finals, but it will be up to Arbeloa to beat Manchester City on Wednesday.
“The data I have doesn’t tell me that. We run the same distances, a little bit at a higher intensity. That data is amazing, but it tells a different story. There is a tactical element, a quality, a mindset. It’s not just about running; it’s important, but we’re a team that often runs under the enemy. We gave them all their support, we gave everything… we have to try to make sure it’s not just a one-off.”
Real Madrid’s fitness and injuries
After sacking Xabi Alonso earlier this season, fitness coach Antonio Pintus has been brought back with Arbeloa. The above information can suggest a good track since, but equally, Real Madrid will host Elche on Saturday without nine players due to injury.
“Everyone makes their own analysis,” Arbeloa replied. “What I can say about Pintus is that he is a great professional; it’s a privilege to have him around me. We will continue to work with him, and hopefully we can keep this going.”
‘Next time I slip, there will be doubts again’
Arbeloa was widely praised for his performance against Manchester City which saw his side win, while Pep Guardiola was fired from the Bernabeu. The Real Madrid manager didn’t know at first.
“I don’t enjoy being praised; I know that the next time I skate, there will be doubts about me again. It’s normal; it’s not about me, it’s about being in this position. The pressure is high. People who have won many Champions Leagues here have faced criticism, which is often incomprehensible to me. It’s not something new for me and to think that Elche just surprises me, that my players surprise me. It’s appropriate and you bring us joy.”
Los Blancos will be looking to cut the gap to one point at the top of the table at home to Elche (21:00 CEST) on Saturday, before visiting Manchester City at the Etihad on Tuesday night.
