As Real Madrid gears up for their match against Getafe, head coach Álvaro Arbeloa addressed the media regarding star player Kylian Mbappé, who missed the Champions League victory over Benfica. Arbeloa emphasized the importance of Mbappé’s full recovery, stating, “We want Kylian Mbappé back at 100 percent, and he’ll return when that happens.” He refrained from speculating on a specific timeline for the French forward’s return, including the critical Champions League clash against Manchester City soon approaching.
While awaiting Mbappé’s return, Arbeloa expressed his satisfaction with Vinícius Júnior’s impressive performances this season. He credited the Brazilian’s growth on the field to his natural talent and confidence, noting, “The credit goes to Vini, who’s a fantastic player. I give him support, and we work so that teammates look for him and take advantage of his qualities.” This focus on player development is crucial as Real Madrid prepares for the challenges ahead.
Looking at the upcoming match against Getafe, a team known for creating tough competition, Arbeloa acknowledged the strengths of their opponent, managed by José Bordalás. “They are very well coached and have a manager who always gets the best out of his players,” he said, highlighting the difficulties posed by Getafe’s disciplined style of play. The coach expressed excitement about playing in front of their home crowd, hoping to secure all three points.
Arbeloa also shed light on young midfielder Thiago Pitarch, praising his dynamic gameplay and work ethic. He underscored the potential for academy players to adapt quickly to first-team expectations, indicating that Pitarch would continue to receive opportunities to shine.
In preparations for the Champions League, Arbeloa reaffirmed the team’s commitment to excellence, stating, “It’s going to be a fascinating matchup between two great clubs.” He emphasized that their focus is entirely on preparing efficiently for each forthcoming challenge.
As Real Madrid navigates their season without a traditional preseason due to Arbeloa’s recent appointment, he acknowledged the significance of building stable on-field connections with the squad. He appreciates the team’s progress thus far, signaling a hopeful outlook as they strive for success in La Liga and beyond.