In what might be one of his final pre-match press conferences as Real Madrid manager, Álvaro Arbeloa addressed the media today ahead of Thursday’s clash against Real Oviedo.
With the La Liga title officially lost to Barcelona and the club in the midst of a “civil war” following the Valverde-Tchouaméni fight and Florentino Pérez’s explosive press conference, Arbeloa attempted to provide a sense of calm—though the tension was undeniable.
Mbappé and Carvajal: Squad Updates
The most positive news from the briefing was the status of Kylian Mbappé. After missing the Clásico due to discomfort, the French star is back in training.
- Mbappé’s Commitment: Arbeloa confirmed that if Mbappé finishes today’s session, he will get minutes against Oviedo. Addressing rumors of a lack of commitment, Arbeloa was firm: “This club is a blessing… otherwise, he wouldn’t know where he is.”
- Carvajal’s World Cup Heartbreak: Arbeloa expressed his disappointment that captain Dani Carvajal was excluded from Spain’s 55-man preliminary World Cup squad. “I would always have him on my team… it’s a shame,” Arbeloa remarked, though he confirmed Carvajal is fit to play tomorrow.
Defending the President and the “Negreira Case”
Arbeloa stood firmly behind Florentino Pérez’s recent claims of an “organized campaign” against the club and touched on the ongoing Negreira Case controversy.
- Institutional War: Arbeloa supported the idea that Real Madrid is treated differently by the media and authorities. “Nobody is going to tell us how to think,” he stated.
- Negreira/UEFA Dossier: Regarding the club’s plan to send a dossier to UEFA about the Negreira refereeing scandal, Arbeloa didn’t hold back: “It would be good if the case were resolved… it’s neither legal nor does it make sense to those of us in football.”
The Mourinho Question
With José Mourinho reportedly scheduled to arrive on May 17, journalists asked Arbeloa if he would join the Portuguese’s coaching staff next season.
Arbeloa was respectful but evasive: “I understand the questions, but please respect my decision to focus on the match. Once the league season is over, I’ll be able to answer.” He did, however, heap praise on Pérez, stating that if anyone can turn the club around, it’s him.
The Dressing Room and the Fans
Arbeloa admitted he expects a “hostile reception” at the Bernabéu tomorrow but urged for unity.
- On the Fight: He defended his role as a “shield” for the players following the €1M fines issued to Valverde and Tchouaméni.
- On the Future: Arbeloa dismissed claims that the club has “hit rock bottom,” pointing to the club’s financial stability and history of coming back from trophy-less runs.
RMxtra Verdict: The Last Stand?
Tomorrow’s game against Oviedo is about pride. The title is gone, and the manager’s seat is already being warmed for Mourinho. For Arbeloa, these last three games are about leaving with his head held high. For the players, it’s an audition to see who survives the “Mourinho Rebuild.”