Arbeloa: There's Always Been a Double Standard Towards Real Madrid

Real Madrid coach Álvaro Arbeloa spoke at a press conference ahead of Thursday's La Liga home match against Oviedo, scheduled for 10:30 PM. The coach discussed the team's current situation and was also asked about President Florentino Pérez's press conference.

How will you approach the match against Oviedo?
La Liga has already slipped away from us, but we bear the responsibility of playing in front of our fans. We must show that we deserve to wear this badge.

Are you concerned that the fans might not be fully focused on the game?
I've always said that Real Madrid is stronger when the fans and the team are united. It has been this way throughout history – we are a family. We always bounce back; Madrid always bounces back. The demands are immense; we are never satisfied. Losses hurt – more so than at other clubs. We will win again with the support of our fans. There's a double standard, there always has been. We've been without a trophy for two years, while others have gone much longer without titles. How many clubs have won as many Champions Leagues as we have? Yet, the club's stability is questioned. But the club members are not foolish – they understand and are hurt by this attitude.

What are your thoughts on Florentino Pérez's press conference?
I'm not here to comment on the president's press conference. Every Madridista agrees that we must defend Real's interests. We are treated differently from every other club in the world. We are aware of the demands, and if this club has one true strength, it is its members. No one will tell us how to think, what we should be, or how to act.

The president spoke of "stolen titles." Do you agree?
Of course. We all know what has been happening for 20 years – at least what we know. There might be things we don't know. It would be good if the "Negreira case" were resolved. It's obvious that this is not legal and makes no sense to people involved in football. It seems incredible that only football defends legality. This is a feeling all Madridistas share.

Will Kylian Mbappé play?
We'll see if he can complete training today. He did yesterday. If he's ready and can finish it, he will certainly get minutes to show his commitment to the club and, despite these four yellow cards, try to play in the remaining three matches.

Do you think Mbappé has given 100%?
Of course. I can't think otherwise. Otherwise, I wouldn't know where I stand. This club is a privilege for all of us. We know what it's like to be outside Madrid; my players should be aware of this fortune. They will be remembered their whole lives for having played for Real. Madrid leaves a huge mark on you; it gives you many things. Madrid does more for us than any of us can do for the club.

Did you speak with Dani Carvajal about his absence from Spain's extended World Cup squad?
I haven't. It's a shame; I would always have him on my team. We must respect the opinions of other coaches, but it's a pity he won't be defending the national team's colors. Yesterday, he rejoined the group, so I understand he will be available. I hope he can finish the season with playing minutes.

Do you understand why there's only one Real player in the national team?
There are several Spaniards in the squad, and the coach is the one who decides. Real Madrid has always had many representatives in the Spanish national team; I was one of them and had a great period with other teammates. The decision is up to the coach. I support my players – they had a season where they showed what class players they are. Every coach has their preferences, looking for different things for their team. Huge respect to Luis de la Fuente.

Are you thinking about your future? There's talk of José Mourinho – would you stay on his staff?
I understand the questions, but please respect my decision to only think about the match. After La Liga ends, I will be able to answer those questions. Now is the time to think about Oviedo.

Is your future clear?
I understand the doubts, and I would ask the same questions if I were in your shoes. But my philosophy is not to look at myself, but at what is best for Madrid.

Would you vote for Pérez?
I'm not a club member, so… I won't vote. I know Real Madrid without Florentino. I know what the club was like before his arrival and what it has been like during these 26 years. I choose these 26 years. Madrid fans realize what Florentino has done, beyond the titles. If there's one person capable of turning this situation around, it's Florentino Pérez.

You've always publicly defended the players, but some believe you've been too lenient. Are you more demanding behind the scenes?
I understand the criticism of the decisions I make. Sometimes I say what I think, and other times, what I should say. But that's how I communicate with the players; it was the same in the academy. A coach must be a shield for his players. When I'm with them, I say things I shouldn't say here. Always with respect. I've been demanding, I've pushed them, I've given them my perspective on what needs to be improved, what we've done well and what poorly… I wouldn't change the way I defend my players here.

Do you think this season hit rock bottom?
That surprises me… What should other clubs say then? We haven't been without a trophy for 50 years. It's clear that if Real Madrid is what it is, it's because of the high demands and uncompromising nature. I don't know if anyone here would dare to say that Madrid won't win anything next year. I wouldn't. I don't understand this feeling of institutional instability or a divided dressing room… Real has been doing many things right for a long time – the club is financially stable, well-managed, with excellent players. I'm sure that in the summer, the club will conduct the necessary analysis to strengthen the squad and make Madrid even stronger. But this is sport – you don't win the Champions League every year, nor La Liga. With reason and high demands, Madrid will win again, I'm sure.

Do you understand that players might be more cautious with Real Madrid, now that they are no longer fighting for the La Liga title, given the World Cup?
It hasn't happened to me, and I hope it doesn't. I've taken great care of the players – in 95% of cases, I've tried not to risk them, to give them minutes gradually when they return from injury. It's easier to do the opposite – we're fighting for many things, and you want the best on the field. But I've always protected everyone and will continue to do so. I want everyone to finish the season with playing minutes. I don't believe it will come to a situation where someone doesn't want to go hard into tackles because they're thinking about the World Cup. In these three remaining matches, there's still a lot to prove.