Arbeloa shows confidence ahead of Bayern challenge

Real Madrid manager Álvaro Arbeloa spoke ahead of his side’s UEFA Champions League quarter-final second leg against Bayern Munich, at the Allianz Arena.

The coach showed a lot of confidence in the press conference, throwing his weight behind his players and challenging them to perform.

Real Madrid fans want another comeback. How is the team doing?

With great enthusiasm, like all Madrid fans. We’re convinced we can do it and ready for a great match.

What are the reasons to believe a comeback is possible?

First of all, we are Real Madrid. If there’s a team that can come to this stadium and turn things around, it’s us. We never give up. We are the team with 15 European Cups. We are Real Madrid, and we will carry that badge with pride.

Is the absence of Tchouaméni a concern?

We have many options and players who can fill that role. Camavinga, Thiago, Ceballos, Valverde... I already know the starting eleven I’m going to field tomorrow, and they give me great confidence. The substitutes will also have an important role, especially in the second half, because it will be a long and intense match. I feel privileged to have this squad.

“Head, heart, and balls” is Alcaraz’s motto. Which will matter most tomorrow?

All of them. This is a match where we have to be at our very best. Mentally, emotionally, technically, and tactically. We need to deliver a complete performance, both individually and as a team. We must show character in a stadium like this, against a fantastic team that beat us last week. We have to show who we are.

Does the team need something special to pull off a comeback?

I don’t see it as a miracle. If we had won the other day, it wouldn’t have been anything extraordinary. Their goalkeeper was the MVP. We are capable of winning. Anyone who understands Real Madrid knows that a victory for us is never a miracle.

Can you use the fear factor?

They are a great team, with the history, mentality, and personality to compete with us. We have to focus on ourselves, on what we can control and prove on the pitch.

Real Madrid has never come back from behind away from home in the European Cup...

We haven’t discussed it, but it’s another challenge. Real Madrid’s history is built on seemingly impossible achievements. We’re ready to fight, to add another chapter to this club’s story, and to come back and win away from home.

What does the team need to improve?

We need to improve in several areas. It’s crucial to take our chances, because we won’t have as many as in the first leg. It’s about confidence. If we want to win and go through, we have to score. We need to play very well tomorrow.

Is the team ready for a hostile atmosphere?

e’ve played here many times. I have, and many of the players have too. We know what to expect. These are the kind of environments where Real Madrid players feel comfortable. These are the moments they want to be part of, where they give everything. I’m sure they’ll go out and deliver a great performance.

Does playing the victim affect motivation?

I don’t know how many teams in the world can say they’ve won the European Cup 15 times. The coach believes, the players believe, and the club believes. Every fan I’ve met in recent days believes we’re going to win. We know how difficult it will be. Nobody knows what will happen tomorrow, but we’ll give everything, and with that belief, we trust we can win.

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