Arbeloa: For me, every Real Madrid match is a matter of life and death

Following the 32nd round of matches, Barcelona prevented Real Madrid from closing the 9-point gap in La Liga. This virtually condemns the capital club to a second-place finish. With no other competitions left, the season appears to be over for the team from the Bernabéu. However, coach Álvaro Arbeloa refuses to dwell on this, determined to win all six remaining games. The unfortunate reality for Real is that they now face three consecutive away fixtures, the first of which is against Betis on Friday evening.

Here's what Arbeloa stated at his press conference ahead of the clash with "Los Verdiblancos."

You have three consecutive away games coming up. Could this be a catalyst for a comeback in the title race?
It's not up to us. Our goal is to win all six matches, regardless of what Barcelona does. We are only focused on the upcoming game, but not everything is in our hands.

What is the team's motivation like at the moment?
My most important goal shouldn't be to motivate a Real Madrid player – they are very demanding of themselves. My job is to prepare them for what awaits them on the pitch.

At times, players haven't shown that internal self-demand – why?
Other things have happened too – many things need to be done correctly beyond that.

Are you afraid that some players might drop their performance level due to thoughts of the World Cup?
I don't drop my level, and I hope they don't either. I'm sure we will continue to see that dedication.

There's been a lot of talk about Dani Carvajal. Do you have something personal against him?
My answer the other day was short and serious to a question I considered inappropriate – it wasn't directed at Dani Carvajal. You can always see my answers when I talk about him, or ask my players how I speak about him to the team. You're trying to assign me a role in this situation that is unfair. He is more than ready to go to the World Cup, I am happy with him, and I believe he should be just as important for the national team. I have always had a good relationship with him, always treated him with affection, respect, and admiration. To think that I make selections for personal reasons… it's hard for me to believe there's a coach in the world who doesn't pick their squad for footballing reasons.

He has only played 22% of the minutes.
It's very simple – I can only field 11 players. There are many whom I am unfair to, but I know how well they train. That's it.

Would you like Carvajal to stay?
When you ask me, I tell you the same thing – that's between him and the club. I will be happy with anything that makes both parties happy. Anything that is good for Carvajal and for Real Madrid is good for me too.

Do you prefer Trent over him?
He is performing at a very good level, he deserves to play, his performance is beyond doubt. Every match for me is a matter of life and death – when I play a certain player, it's because I believe he deserves it and that he will help us win. I don't hand out minutes to anyone.

The news that Mourinho might return to the Bernabéu, and Mbappé liking it?
I couldn't care less – let him like Mourinho, Julia Roberts, or whoever.

What does your future hold?
My responsibility is to win every match – that's how I see it, and that's what I demand from the players. We must be professional and respect the badge.

How is Vinicius Junior?
You'll have to ask him. I feel privileged to have him, and I'm sure he'll play a good game tomorrow.

How is Militão?
He will undergo an MRI, but the injury doesn't appear serious. We'll see after the examination.

The youth players have gradually disappeared from the first team…
The lads helped, they showed they can play in the first team. That's one of the most positive things this season. It was clear they are doing very well – the other day in the Youth Champions League, as well as with the reserve team… My trust in them will always be unwavering.