Arbeloa defends Vinicius: When he’s happy, he’s unstoppable
Real Madrid coach Alvaro Arbeloa hailed the 6-1 win over AS Monaco as proof that his team needs the support of the fans at the Santiago Bernabeu after a convincing Champions League debut. Los Blancos moved up to 15 points with five wins from seven games and were in fine form after being booed by the fans at Levante on Saturday.
The star of the night was undoubtedly Vinicius Junior, who finished with three assists and a goal. Arbeloa called it a “perfect night” for him. Some questions were raised when Vinicius did not celebrate with the fans but ran to hug Arbeloa after scoring.
“What I was saying is exactly what we saw today: when he is happy, he is the player who disrupts the opposing defense the most. We need him. I am very happy for him and he deserves it. His hug is a hug for all of Real Madrid, a hug from his teammates and the support of the Bernabeu. We have shown him our support in difficult moments. It has been a perfect night for him and for everyone at the Bernabeu. I told him the same thing that I am saying here: I need him to be happy and enjoy the game, and he has my full support and is almost obliged to show all the football that he is capable of playing,” he told Marca.
He added that the credit must go to both the fans and the players, stressing that the public’s support was reflected in the team’s performance on the pitch.
“This is a victory for the players, it belongs to the boys, the medals are for them and for the Bernabeu crowd. If we want to win trophies, we need them. I think tonight they showed that Real Madrid are stronger when the Bernabeu is on their side. Many of us have experienced this and we know what the Bernabeu means. I am very happy.”
One of the main questions about Vinicius and Mbappe under Xabi Alonso was their commitment in the defensive phase. Arbeloa stressed that he does not want them to waste energy by constantly pressing.
“Whenever the team is compact, they are the first to apply pressure. I think both Kylian and Vini are making an effort, but I do not want to lie to you: I do not think they should get tired of following the play behind the midfielders; I want them fresh.”
Regarding his start as coach, Arbeloa said that the players have understood the essence of Real Madrid.
“I am fine, thank you all. I became a coach to help the players and get the best out of each one of them. I need them to be happy and that way we can fight for everything.”
“(The players) have welcomed me warmly and are helping me. They understand perfectly what Real Madrid represents. Real Madrid is passion, character, fans and hard work.”
Meanwhile, Arbeloa is expected to have Brahim Diaz available again after his engagement with the national team, following the painful penalty loss in the final that was won by Senegal. Arbeloa said that Brahim was one of the main reasons why Morocco got there.
“He has had an incredible tournament and if they have reached the final, it is mainly thanks to him. I can’t wait to hug him; he is a very capable boy and can adapt to several positions. His teammates can’t wait to hug him too.”
“Los Blancos” travel to “La Ceramica” this weekend to face Villarreal, where they will have the chance to return to the top of the table before Barcelona play on Sunday. Arbeloa will be aiming for a third consecutive victory.
