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Real Madrid will be aiming to bounce back to winning ways in La Liga when they face Celta Vigo away at Balaidos on Friday night.
Following consecutive league defeats against Osasuna and Getafe, Los Blancos have now fallen four points behind Barcelona in the table, losing important ground in the title race.
As such, Alvaro Arbeloa & co. have very little room for error from hereon, but a trip to Balaidos is never easy, and the challenge is only made harder by the number of absences through injury and suspension.
Ahead of the game, manager Arbeloa addressed the media in his pre-match press conference, discussing the team’s recent slump as well as the injury problems.
On form and performances
Kicking things off, the Real Madrid manager acknowledged the challenge of facing Celta Vigo at their home, saying:
“I keep saying it: it won’t be easy at all. Celta are very well-coached, plays with a lot of confidence, and is coming off a win. They’re playing really good football. That stadium always has a great atmosphere. It will be a very demanding away game.”
Regarding the team’s disappointing La Liga form over the past week, Arbeloa explained: “Two consecutive league defeats… at a club like Real Madrid, defeat is always difficult to deal with. But right now, the only thing we’re thinking about is tomorrow’s match.
“We know the level we need to reach if we want to win. It will depend on our performance; our composure and confidence. The past doesn’t exist; we’re only thinking about Balaidos.”
On whether a failure to win tomorrow would spell the end of the team’s La Liga title hopes, he replied:
“Let’s go for tomorrow, let’s go for those three points. It’s still possible. As long as it’s mathematically possible, let’s fight.”
When asked if finishing the season without any titles would constitute a failure in his eyes, Arbeloa said:
“Again? We’re all optimistic, it seems. To tell you the truth, I’m only thinking about Celta. And I’m not thinking about anything else at all.”
On being probed on how he would explain the team’s recent slump, he added: “The important thing here is winning; nothing else matters. Of course, I could explain things… but it wouldn’t do much good.
“I’m well aware that the team can play better, that we have a great squad. But I have the same confidence in our abilities. Until my last day here, I’m going to work to make sure that happens.”
Arbeloa confident about a turnarond. (Photo by Aitor Alcalde/Getty Images)
Regarding the team’s lack of consistency, he explained: “It’s not easy. I think I’m sounding repetitive, but we haven’t had enough time to work; we’ve had almost more matches than training sessions.
“From there, the players’ integration, and my integration with theirs, is what it is. And we certainly need to be more consistent in our performance…”
On injuries and squad
Providing an update on the condition of superstar Kylian Mbappe, who is currently recovering from a knee sprain, the manager remarked:
“Yes, I speak to him every day. We’re keeping a close eye on what’s happening to him, how he’s doing. It’s a process we’ll take day by day, monitoring how he’s feeling. He’s getting better every day.”
On the matter of both Mbappe and Jude Bellingham seeking outside opinions on their injuries this week, he added:
“All these decisions are overseen by the club’s doctors. Everything, absolutely everything, is supervised.”
Real Madrid could be without as many as 11 players for the game against Celta tomorrow, a situation that poses a huge challenge for Arbeloa.
“They’re making it easier for me, because I have to think about it! (Laughs) Confidence. This is Real Madrid, we don’t make excuses and we have to rise to the occasion in adversity,” said Arbeloa.
“When you’re up 3-0, it’s easy to put on this shirt, to be a great professional. But the real test is now.”
The manager also defended youngsters Dean Huijsen and Franco Mastantuono, who have come under intense criticism for some of their recent performances.
“I’m very clear about Huijsen and Mastantuono. The Juvenil A team is full of players the same age as Mastantuono, and Huijsen could be playing for Castilla, given his age,” said Arbelao.
“I remember what was said about Vinicius when he arrived, and look at him now. We have to be very patient. Playing for Real Madrid is playing for the most demanding club in the world; it’s not like any other.”
Continuing, he added: “They have my full confidence and are incredibly talented. I would love for the fans to understand what each player is capable of. We need to take care of them, encourage them, and above all, demand hard work and effort from them.
“We need to encourage them to make mistakes, because they will; football is a sport of errors. We have some great nights ahead of us with them.”
About Brahim Diaz’s lack of game-time in recent weeks, Arbeloa acknowledged: “Nothing. He’s playing less than he deserves, and that’s my responsibility, because he trains very well and we all know his abilities.
“I’m sure I can get much more out of him than I’m currently doing. It’s my responsibility. I’ll make the effort to do so.”
Finally, Arbeloa confirmed David Alaba will not be available for the game, but Raul Asencio could make it.
“Alaba won’t be available, but Asencio might be; we’ll see. And if not… well, Diego Aguado or Lamini Fati would play. We’ll see. But Alaba won’t be there, that’s for sure,” he concluded.
Source: AS