As Real Madrid and Manchester City are ready to play in the Champions League round of 16, Álvaro Arbeloa stated on Tuesday that his club “shouldn’t feel inferior” to the latter. In one of the games that marked the end for Arbeloa’s predecessor, Xabi Alonso, City defeated Madrid 2-1 at the Bernabéu in the league phase in December.
Since then, Madrid’s performance has been patchy, with two losses in their past four games across all competitions. However, Arbeloa stated that his team can enter the match “looking [City] in the eyes” during a press conference prior to Wednesday’s first leg.
Arbeloa remarked, “We’re Real Madrid; we never feel lesser than anybody.” “Nobody should make us feel inferior. The team, coach [Pep Guardiola], and players are all well acquainted with the opposition. Two years ago, they were winners. However, we are quite excited about it. We will play to win tomorrow.”
Arbeloa says Real Madrid won’t feel lesser than Man City
Arbeloa said that Mbappe’s knee strain was improving when he was in France last week for testing and therapy. The Spaniard stated, “He’s much better; as I’ve said a lot over the last few weeks, it’s something we have to look at day by day.”
This week has been really wonderful; he has returned feeling well and is improving every day, so I hope he returns soon. Real Madrid’s attack will be led by Brazilian winger Vinícius Júnior in Mbappé’s absence. Arbeloa continued, “He’s taking a lot of responsibility. If we’re going to defeat Manchester City, we need the best of him.”
Arbeloa, who succeeded Xabi Alonso in January, stated that his first two months on the job have been a “big learning experience” and that he anticipates Guardiola arriving in the Spanish city with a surprise. According to Arbeloa, “he’s a coach who has something different ready in these kinds of games, and he’s always good at surprises.”
