Arbeloa hints at Guardiola Bernabéu surprise and takes swipe at Barça president Laporta

Real Madrid is always favorite for everything. Álvaro Arbeloa said it on Jan. 20 after the euphoric night against Monaco – and ahead of Manchester City’s visit, the message still hangs in the air. The Real Madrid coach doubled down: “If I said it, I meant it. We shouldn’t feel less than anyone… we’ll look them in the eye.”

His tone was calm when asked about Pep Guardiola. “He always has a surprise ready,” Arbeloa said. “I’d be very surprised if there wasn’t some new system or a different player.” He was equally measured about Kylian Mbappé: “He’s much better, but we have to take it day by day.”

The softness vanished, however, when Joan Laporta’s comments surfaced. “That Madrid would have done the same thing in the Negreira case? Who said that? Oh yes – candidate Laporta! I think he was the one who quadrupled the payments to Negreira… so there’s not much more to say.”

He was more affectionate when speaking about Vinícius Jr. and Eduardo Camavinga. “He’s had a very bad week, but he’s perfectly fine for tomorrow,” he said of the French midfielder. Arbeloa also praised the academy players: “It’s not easy to use them when you’re the Real Madrid coach, but I trust them.” And he clarified his controversial comment in Vigo – “I’m happy for those who wanted to come”: “I wanted to highlight the players who made a huge effort to be there. Anyone who wasn’t there wasn’t because they didn’t want to come.”

Arbeloa speaks ahead of Man City

Asked what kind of game he expects against Manchester City, Arbeloa predicted a tough challenge. “It will be complicated – against a great rival, great players and a great coach.” Still, he said the Bernabéu atmosphere and the magnitude of Champions League nights bring extra motivation. “We’ll go out with the sole objective of winning. You all know how special the Champions League is for us.”

On Mbappé’s knee, Arbeloa offered cautious optimism. “He’s much better. As I’ve said in recent weeks, it’s about taking it day by day and seeing how it evolves. But this week has been very positive. He’s come back with great feelings and is improving every day.”

The coach was also reminded of his earlier statement that Real Madrid are favorites for everything. Arbeloa stood firm. “We are Real Madrid and we should never feel inferior to anyone.” He acknowledged the strength of Manchester City – European champions two years ago – but insisted his team would face them with enthusiasm and confidence.

When asked to clarify his controversial line after the game in Vigo, Arbeloa rejected the interpretation that some players had refused to travel. “If someone says they’re happy for those who wanted to come, it doesn’t mean someone didn’t want to come – neither grammatically nor semantically,” he said. He explained that several players were not in ideal physical condition but made “a huge effort” to play. “I’m responsible for what I say, not for how it’s interpreted.”

Arbeloa also spoke about his experiences facing Guardiola during his playing career. “He always has something different prepared,” he said. The City manager, he noted, constantly finds tactical variations and unexpected solutions. “You always have to be ready when you face Pep, because he’s always thinking through every possible angle.”

Laporta’s remarks about the Negreira case triggered Arbeloa’s sharpest response of the afternoon. After laughing at the question, he replied: “Candidate Laporta! I think he quadrupled the payments to Negreira, so there’s not much more to add.”

Asked about Guti’s comment that he had inherited a “poisoned chalice” by taking the job midseason amid injuries, Arbeloa responded diplomatically. “I have enormous affection for José María Gutiérrez Hernández for what he means to Real Madrid and for the legacy he left as a player.” He said he respects the former midfielder’s opinion but prefers not to judge the many voices commenting on the club.

The prospect of facing Guardiola again also excites him. “What motivates me is living a Champions League round of 16 tie – a night like tomorrow,” he said.

Vinícius Jr., he admitted, carries major responsibility amid the team’s injury problems. “Whoever is on the field will be important, and Vinícius too,” Arbeloa said. “He’s our attacking cornerstone, as is normal. We need the best version of him if we want to eliminate Manchester City.”

Camavinga, meanwhile, has recovered from a difficult week. Arbeloa joked that the midfielder had endured pain “worse than a toothache,” but confirmed he has been training with the squad since Saturday and is ready to play.

Reflecting on his own evolution as coach, Arbeloa insisted he has not changed much since taking the role. “I’m the same person, just with two months of experience as Real Madrid coach – which is like a master’s degree.” The learning process has been intense, he said, and he plans to enjoy every day in the job.

He also praised the contributions of the academy players after their performance in Vigo. Thiago stood out, Palacios helped transform the game, and Manuel Ángel played a decisive role in a key moment. “It’s not easy to trust academy players when you sit in this chair,” Arbeloa admitted. “Because the best players in the world are here – and to play a youngster you have to bench one of them.” Still, he believes they are ready for nights like this.

On how to stop Manchester City’s stars, including Erling Haaland and Phil Foden, Arbeloa stressed the collective threat they pose. “We’ll have to mark many players, because they have great individual quality.” At the same time, City operate brilliantly as a unit, capable of playing “with their eyes closed.”

Finally, asked whether a draw would be acceptable in the first leg, Arbeloa’s answer was simple: “We’ll go out to win.”

How can I watch Real Madrid vs Manchester City?

Viewers in the U.S. can watch Madrid vs City on the streaming platforms Paramount+ and DAZN USA.

You’ll also have the option of following live-text commentary of Wednesday’s first leg in Madrid, right here at AS USA. Roddy Cons will be talking you through all the action at the Bernabéu.

Get closer to the game! Whether you like your soccer of the European variety or that on this side of the pond, our AS USA app has it all. Dive into live coverage, expert insights, breaking news, exclusive videos, and more. Plus, stay updated on NFL, NBA and all other big sports stories as well as the latest in current affairs and entertainment. Download now for all-access coverage, right at your fingertips – anytime, anywhere.

And there’s more: check out our TikTok and Instagram reels for bite-sized visual takes on all the biggest soccer news and insights.