Alvaro Arbeloa has given the press conference ahead of the match against Alaves and already with some time to analyze the situation of the club and the team after a second campaign in which there will be no titles except for a miracle. The coach’s appearance left that balance of the campaign and what can be done to change that trend. At times it also sounded like a farewell, especially when he made it clear that he does not regret anything he has done or said. He again left his future in the hands of the club and again left a message to Spanish refereeing.The match against Alaves: “The same need they have, we have. Playing in front of the fans and with a lot of desire, we must have that ambition to play a great game.”
Two years without winning titles, what needs to change: “Madrid is where things go right most of the time and sometimes they don’t go the way they want. The mentality of this club is to look to the future and I always say that here it is not worth winning or losing. It has been 20 years since this has happened. We have to win seven games and when it’s over we have to think about the things we have to do well.”
If you like to have continuity for the coach thinking as a member: “I’m a Madrid fan but I’m the coach of Madrid and it’s a decision that doesn’t concern me. I’m not worried about my future but these seven games which is the only important thing now.”
What happens in the dressing room, your opinion: “I tell you again that these are decisions that are up to the club, I have direct communication with the club every week. These matches are more important than they might seem.”
“In relation to our performance, we certainly have room for improvement. In these months we have performed in the big events. If we talk about these three months, we have a lot of room for improvement. There are circumstances like the one we experienced against Girona that make it easier for Madrid to win a Champions League than a La Liga. With that, many things are said.”
Ancelotti spoke about achieving the transition, with new leaders, where do you see it: “We have leaders like Carvajal, Militao, Alaba, Valverde, Bellingham, Vinicius, Mbappe…, but it is also a very young squad, there are many players who we want to demand a lot too soon, but there are many leaders with a lot of experience. But also many young players, they are working well.”
How are you: “I appreciate the interest, I’m always fine. I have felt the pride that Madrid fans have for the game the team played on Wednesday. I hope for a Bernabeu tomorrow as a family, united and proud of how the team played. The feeling on the street is that we were deprived of being in the semifinals. That’s what I have been able to feel.”
Generous in praise of the club, president and players, if not regretful: “I have done at every moment what I believed and I have never put my figure ahead of the club. We have many things to improve, we are aware of that, the players and I. And everything I have said is because that’s how I felt and I think so.”
How is Camavinga? “He is hurt like everyone else, it was an action that was a serious mistake by the referee because it is clear that he did not know he had a card. These are mistakes that in a Champions League match should not be made. He has won two Champions Leagues and at 24 years of age has played in the World Cup and the European Championship. He has played a lot and well and has the confidence of the club and hopefully he can be with us for many years to come.”
His relationship with the dressing room: “I have not had a feeling of camaraderie or friendship. Having a good relationship does not mean that you cannot push and demand from them. It is a relationship that must be accepted and the most important thing is that everyone wants to play. There has been a good atmosphere and sometimes things are said to your face that you do not like”.
If he is worried about the atmosphere at the Bernabeu: “I’m not worried, I think the people are with the team and we have to show that we want to win. Tomorrow we will have to show ambition as they have done in the big games, it is a subject that we have to continue to improve”.
Güler, how have you seen him these three months: “It has been three very intense months, we have been through many things. When I came it was said that he did not play the important games and look at what games he has done against City or Bayern. Since I have been able to work with him and is not without sacrifice. You have to learn from mistakes and it is a great reward for his season.”
Two actions by Mbappe against Bayern that did not go down well: “I can’t be upset with any action from Kylian. He played the tie to the level of the player he is. He made a great sacrifice, we watch the games more than once and we are really happy with what he did. He was a constant danger for Bayern and that’s the Kylian we want to see every day.”
To what extent has it conditioned you to take over a team in the middle of the season: “It’s not the same to arrive in the middle of the season, that’s clear, and with circumstances such as injuries. But it doesn’t deserve more reflection on something that for me is obvious. We have a great squad. I don’t think it needs a revolution to be able to fight for titles. We will fight to win again”.
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