At a glance
- Ahead of Espanyol, Real Madrid manager Alvaro Arbeloa had to answer questions about his rumoured rift with Dani Ceballos.
- Arbeloa said: “What happens in the locker room stays in the locker room”.
- Real Madrid currently trail FC Barcelona by 11 points in La Liga and need to beat Espanyol to keep the dream alive.
Under pressure Real Madrid manager Alvaro Arbeloa pretty much had to say “what happens in the locker room, stays in the locker room” when asked about a rumoured rift with midfielder Dani Ceballos ahead of Espanyol on Sunday.
Alvaro dropped Ceballos for last Friday’s trip to Real Betis owing to a reported “technical decision”. With Espanyol on the horizon Sunday, he was asked about his relationship with the Andalusian and insisted “I don’t get into public debates about situations with my players”.
“It’s been more than 20 years since I entered this locker room and the first thing I learned is that things stay in the locker room. I’ve lived by this for 20 years and I maintain it,” Arbeloa added.
On whether there is a lack of leaders in a team that looks set to go two seasons without major silverware, Arbeloa stressed that his is a young one.
“But I have spoken this time about great players, with personality and experience. Surely there have been situations that we must know how to handle better. But a young squad can have those sins of youth. There are leaders and players with great personalities, though,” Arbeloa stated.
Arbeloa continues to face questions about his replacement before Real Madrid Vs. Espanyol
It must be difficult for Arbeloa to face questions about his idol Jose Mourinho replacing him. Matteo Moretto reported that talks are taking place between Florentino Perez and the Portuguese to occupy the hotseat in 2026/2027. Though when asked about this on Friday, Mourinho denied any contact.
“I understand the questions. But my only answer is that the future is tomorrow, the game, to win the three points. Every game for me is my life. It’s the most important thing,” Arbeloa said.
“There are a lot of games. The results are far from what Madrid should be. Today you don’t beat anyone by getting off the bus. We have to improve a lot, collectively,” the current manager offered, to explain the current situation in Valdebebas.
“We need a plan, a structure, to know how to disorganise the opponent… They have a different mentality and we have paid for it with points,” he concluded.
Losing 1-0 to Espanyol at the same ground last term, FC Barcelona beating Osasuna and another defeat to the Pericos will result in the title being handed to the Catalans ahead of El Clasico on May 10.
