Arbeloa backs Bernabéu faithful ahead of Monaco clash: 'They'll be on our side'
Madrid's youth team coach defends Vinicius against recent whistles and emphasizes the importance of fan support as Los Blancos prepare for crucial Champions League fixture.
Former Madrid defender turned youth team boss Álvaro Arbeloa has come out swinging for his players ahead of their Tuesday night European clash with Monaco, particularly throwing his weight behind Brazilian star Vinicius Jr who’s faced some stick from the home crowd recently.
Backing for Vini
Arbeloa didn’t beat about the bush when addressing the recent whistles aimed at Vinicius from sections of the Bernabéu crowd.
“What I hope and wish for is the support of the Bernabéu for all its players, especially Vinicius,” said the Castilla coach, highlighting the Brazilian’s emotional nature and his contributions to the club’s recent European successes.
“He has a huge heart and is very emotional. His football is too,” Arbeloa added, clearly keen to see the supporters get behind a player who’s been absolutely mustard for Madrid when it matters most.
Team spirit high
Despite the recent managerial shake-up following Carlo Ancelotti’s departure, Arbeloa reports the squad is in good nick heading into the Monaco fixture:
- Team morale boosted after weekend victory
- Players understand Champions League importance
- Win would bring them closer to qualifying objectives
The Bernabéu factor
Arbeloa knows his onions when it comes to the Bernabéu crowd, having experienced it as both player and now coach. He was adamant that the supporters will rally behind the team when it matters.
“I know what the Bernabéu crowd is like. If there’s one thing they are, it’s fair,” he explained, showing confidence that the supporters will back the team despite recent grumbles.
He also dropped a bit of knowledge about how crucial the Bernabéu atmosphere has been historically: “When Madrid has won titles, it’s because the Bernabéu has been on their side. If you ask any opponent, they all talk about the Bernabéu atmosphere.”
Ancelotti’s potential visit
Arbeloa spoke warmly about his former boss Carlo Ancelotti, expressing hope that the Italian might pop down to see his former players if he attends Tuesday’s match. There’s clearly no bad blood between the two, with Arbeloa describing it as “a stroke of luck” to have been coached by him.
With Monaco on the horizon, Madrid’s new gaffer seems determined to keep the focus on football rather than politics or crowd reactions – a proper professional approach as they look to strengthen their European campaign.