Arbeloa sends a message to Ancelotti after Vinicius' fatigue for Real Madrid's decisive stretch

Real Madrid coach Alvaro Arbeloa spoke to the media ahead of the match against Mallorca, where he analysed the current situation of the white team at the decisive moment of the season. "With no margin for error," as he himself assures.

Smiling, calm and with a winning speech on the eve of facing the most important stretch of the season, Arbeloa began by assessing the return of the internationals, stressing that all have returned "safe and sound", something he described as the main objective after the break. He also stressed the good level shown by the players with their national teams and the work done by the rest of the group in these days. "Those of us who have stayed have worked very hard and we are prepared against a difficult team, which needs the three points as much as we do. We have nine finals left and the first one is tomorrow," he said

As for proper names, Vini's condition is a concern. He was wrapped in cotton wool after the matches with Brazil and will not decide until the last moment whether he will play against Mallorca. "He is tired, because my friend Carletto has not given him much rest, as is normal. The demands at Madrid and Brazil are enormous. Vini has a lot of games, he has not stopped for a day and today we will see how he feels and we will decide."

Another of the protagonists was Kylian Mbappe. The coach explained that his substitution in the derby was "a matter of common sense" and stressed the direct and fluid relationship he maintains with the French striker. "I have never had the slightest reproach from him. It is a pleasure to have a player of such magnitude and humility," he said. He also wanted to put an end to any controversy about his physical condition, assuring that the information about a possible error in the diagnosis of his knee is "false". "We have to forget about the knee and focus on his goals," he said.

Arbeloa stressed Mbappe's defensive role and his collective commitment, although he pointed out that forwards have different functions: "It is clear that they have to defend less than the defenders, just as they have to attack more. With the talent they have, they make the difference."

Militao happy

Another of the standout names was Eder Militao, whose return is scheduled for tomorrow's game in Mallorca. Arbeloa did not spare any praise for the Brazilian centre-back: "When he is fit, he is the best centre-back in the world. You get the feeling that there are two players when he is on the pitch. He is intelligent, has leadership and is different. I'm very happy with his return...".

Militao, in form, is the best centre-back in the world

ARBELOA

He also had words for Arda Güler, whom he personally congratulated on his presence at the World Cup, highlighting what it means for him to represent his country. "I wrote to him and congratulated him, because I know what it means to play in a World Cup. I'm very happy for Arda, because I know what it means to him and his country and I'm happy to see him in the World Cup."

In the case of Jude Bellingham, he explained that his situation has been "particular" after the last match against Atletico, as the England coach chose not to force him. Arbeloa insisted that the English midfielder will be "fundamental" and that he must regain his best form gradually. "Bellingham's case was particular. He had played a few minutes against Atletico, but his coach did not want him to play, not to take risks. Jude is smart to do good training sessions. I didn't have any plan, the plan was with the England coach. For me there is no problem that he does not play. For me he is going to be a fundamental player and he has to recover his best level and that is done by playing. He has been out for a long time and we are going to have to go little by little."

Another name is Brahim, who is likely to lose his place in the starting eleven after Kylian's return. "Brahim has to keep giving the level he is giving, keep showing that desire and that talent. He has played at a very high level and surely he is going to have a lot of minutes because he is earning them. I'm happy because he has come from a situation that has not been easy and when I have given him the opportunity he has shown what kind of players. They are all going to be important."

Nine finals

Regarding squad management, the coach made it clear that he will field "the best possible team" to beat Mallorca, although he warned of the demands of the calendar, with decisive commitments in both La Liga and the Champions League. "There are a lot of games in a few days and we are going to need everyone. We have nine finals in La Liga and we no longer have any margin for error in any competition, neither in La Liga nor in the Champions League," he said.

Collectively, Arbeloa stressed that the team is in the desired position at this final stage of the season, fighting for all the titles. "We are only thinking about Mallorca. It is a very complicated match and I have had 750 alarms going off because of the context," he said, although he was confident in the mentality of the group. "When spring comes, Madrid gives its best," he added.

Outside the strictly sporting arena, the coach spoke out about the chants at the RCDE Stadium, defending that Spain "is not a racist country", although he stressed "the need to continue to combat any behaviour of this kind".

Finally, Arbeloa played down the importance of his continuity on the bench: "I'm not worried. What I want is for Real Madrid to win, whoever is in this chair."