We Aim to Win and Qualify, and We Haven’t Discussed This in the Locker Room
Arbeloa: We Aim to Win and Qualify, and We Haven’t Discussed This in the Locker Room
The coach said: “What do you expect from the team tomorrow? Very similar to the team that played in Lisbon. That’s what I hope for and wish. It will be a very special match, a wonderful night in the Champions League at the Santiago Bernabéu, with our awareness of the importance of the fans in such matches. We aim to qualify and win.”
He added: “What do you think about stopping Prestiani? We haven’t discussed it in the locker room, and my opinion remains the same: we have an opportunity to deliver a strong blow to racism. UEFA has always defended this issue and has the ability to make a change.”
He continued: “Has there been any change in the locker room regarding Prestyani? No, we are very focused on the match. On playing at a high level and delivering a great performance. Winning. That’s where we put all our energy and effort. As for the rest… it’s not our concern. It’s not within our authority to make these decisions, but rather the authority of UEFA.”
He continued: “What do you think about Courtois’s comments on Mourinho? I think the same as I said last week, here and in Lisbon: Vinícius scored a wonderful and beautiful goal. Nothing he did, or has done, justifies any racist act. I said it then and I will say it again: this is the most important thing. Nothing justifies any racist act.”
He added: “There is a strong desire and great enthusiasm to enjoy a wonderful evening in the Champions League at the Bernabéu Stadium, because we know the atmosphere that is created and will be created. We have a lot at stake. People often say ‘this is a final match,’ well, it will be. The winner will qualify. All our desire and energy.”
Regarding Joan Laporta’s statements: “As I mentioned, I will not comment on candidate Laporta’s statements. For me, the bigger scandal is that the Negreira case is still unresolved.”
He added, “How is Vinicius? He is in excellent condition, very enthusiastic. He has strong motivation for such matches. Since my arrival, he has been performing exceptionally. He has been an influential player. We want to make the most of his capabilities and give him the opportunities to showcase his full potential. Then… he has a strong personality, he is a leader. We need him to deliver another great match tomorrow.”
Regarding Mbappe’s readiness: “He is ready to play tomorrow, and that’s the most important thing right now (smiles). He has been absent for several weeks… as everyone knows, but I want to emphasize his efforts and commitment. He is trying to help us on the field. He is a player who can change the course of the game, and defenders know he can decide it with any move. He is ready for tomorrow’s match, and I am sure he will deliver a great performance.”
Whether Vinicius has moved past what happened in the first leg: “He has always shown courage and a strong character. Anyone in his position… I don’t know how they would act. He has always acted bravely; this has always been his way and will remain so because he is a fighter. Tomorrow, he will take on the challenge to prove that he is one of the best football players in the world.”
Regarding Kylian Mbappe and his role as a forward: “I don’t think his problem lies in scoring goals, neither in scoring nor in how he scores. He makes decisions on the field, and if I wanted to highlight his qualities, he is very intelligent. He knows well where to move. There will be times to create opportunities inside the penalty area and others outside it. But Kylian knows exactly what he needs to do on the field, and just looking at his statistics is enough to understand that he performs it perfectly.”
He concluded: “Is Benfica weaker without Mourinho on the bench? Just as the team focuses on delivering a great match, so do I. This won’t be the first time in Mourinho’s career that he’s absent from the bench, and his teams have always performed well. I expect a great team tomorrow, with some adjustments after the first leg. I hope for a great match, a spectacular show… and for Real Madrid to win.”
