Article by Aurelian Botezatu – Published on Thursday, 09 April 2026 14:07 / Updated on Thursday, 09 April 2026 14:12
Real Madrid coach Alvaro Arbeloa has spoken of the need for his players to perform in every game they play. His team meets Girona on Friday.
Alvaro Arbeloa is not entirely satisfied with his stars. Kylian Mbappe has had oscillating performances lately – below the possibilities with Mallorca (1-2), at the height against Bayern (1-2), when he scored – and the Spanish technician did not hesitate to pull his sleeve before the duel with Girona, scheduled for Friday, in La Liga.
Alvaro Arbeloa: “Winning matches does not happen only through talent”
“It's not just about Mbappe. I want players who want to be Real Madrid players every day. It's important that the player is himself, beyond talent and quality. We want the players of tomorrow, the ones who will face Girona, to feel the need to shine.
This is what we need. To be themselves every day and be ready to give their best. It's not easy, but that's what we're asking: that they be motivated to give their best. What matters is the desire to enter the field with a lot of spirit and a special dedication. Talent exists and it's wonderful, but winning matches doesn't happen only through talent,” detailed Arbeloa.
Alvaro Arbeloa: “I see booing as something normal and understandable”
The Real Madrid coach also spoke about the blanco supporters booing Vinicius jr during the match against Bayern (1-2) in the Champions League when the game was not going well.
“You know how I feel about Vinicius and what he means to me as a coach and as a Real Madrid fan. For me, it would be a privilege to play every game at the Bernabeu. Booing is part of what this crowd demands. I see it as something normal and understandable”, pointed out the Spanish technician.
In his opinion, “some can feel a negative atmosphere, but what we notice is the support of our fans. We can't ask for more than that. If the team performs well and creates chances, it's also because of the pressure that the Bernabeu exerts. All the players feel the same.”
