Real Madrid head coach Álvaro Arbeloa was full of praise for his players ahead of the Champions League clash against Benfica, as he targets a fourth win in the last five matches. Los Blancos can secure a place in the top eight against Benfica regardless of the result, but a win or a draw would guarantee it.
Arbeloa has been credited with improving the atmosphere in the dressing room and building a much more defensively motivated team, in contrast to the side seen under Xabi Alonso. The Spanish coach expressed his gratitude to his players.
“I can only speak about the 15 days I’ve been here. From the moment I arrived, I’ve seen a group of very committed players, willing to listen and work hard. They are putting into practice what we’ve discussed, and that’s the most beautiful thing. We still have a lot of room for improvement, and if we want to achieve everything, we must be a team that does many things well. That requires a lot of work and training. But so far, what the players are doing is truly commendable, with a new coach and in such a short period of time.”
Arbeloa was also highly complimentary of Jude Bellingham when asked whether one of his goals was to bring the English midfielder back to his best form.
“Jude… and I’ll say this openly… it’s not that he’s been a surprise, but from day one I’ve seen a player with extraordinary quality and talent—something that becomes even more impressive when you see it up close. Beyond that, I’ve seen a leader. Two days ago, 48 hours after a match, I told him: ‘I don’t usually say this, but stop running.’ The level he’s showing in training, his commitment and his leadership… I’m very proud of his level and of having a player like him.”
“On the pitch, he’s capable of doing many things: he makes off-the-ball runs, reads the game well, and has a very good shot. He’s young, but he has a great deal of experience. And he will be a cornerstone of this Real Madrid for many, many years to come.”
