Real Madrid

“It’s unfair”: Arbeloa responds to Carvajal controversy as Real Madrid selection tensions rise ahead of Betis

Arbeloa addresses questions over Carvajal’s limited minutes, Trent’s growing role ahead and Mbappé’s Mourinho “like” before Friday’s game at Betis.

Carlos Forjanes Roddy Cons

Update: Apr 23rd, 2026 07:55 EDT

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Álvaro Arbeloa spent nearly two minutes explaining his relationship with Dani Carvajal and the reason behind his brief, and somewhat surprising, response to a question about the club captain after the 2-1 win over Alavés.

The Real Madrid coach expanded on the topic in the buildup to Friday’s match against Real Betis, defending his connection with the Spain international. He said there are attempts to place him in “an unfair role,” while also justifying Trent Alexander Arnold’s recent starts.

“He plays because he is earning it,” Arbeloa said of the English player.

“The Carvajal case” under the spotlight

The Carvajal situation remains a hot topic. How is his relationship with the captain?

“My answer the other day was short, serious, in response to a question I felt was out of place. It was not because of Dani Carvajal,” Arbeloa said.

“You can look at my answers whenever I talk about him, or ask my players how I speak about him in the dressing room. You are trying to put me in an unfair position.”

“He is more than ready to go to the World Cup. I am happy with him, and I believe he should also be just as important for the national team. I have always had a good relationship with him. I have always treated him with affection, respect, and admiration.”

“To think I make lineups for personal reasons, I find it hard to believe that any coach in the world would not pick a team based on football reasons.”

“It’s unfair”: Arbeloa responds to Carvajal controversy as Real Madrid selection tensions rise ahead of Betis — Arbeloa after Carvajal after the defender was substituted against Atlético Madrid. JESUS ALVAREZ ORIHUELA

Limited minutes this season

But Carvajal has only played 22% of available minutes this season.

“It is very simple, only 11 players can play,” Arbeloa said. “It is not that others cannot play. There are many players I am being unfair to, but I know how well they train. There is nothing more to it.”

Carvajal’s future at the club

Would you like Carvajal to stay next season?

“When you ask, I always say the same thing, it is between them. I would be happy with whatever makes them happy. Anything good for Carvajal and Real Madrid is good for me.”

Trent or Carvajal?

“Trent is showing a strong level. He is earning his place. His performances are beyond doubt,” Arbeloa said.

“Every match feels like life or death for me. When I pick a player, it is because I believe he deserves it and because I think it helps us win. I do not give away a single minute.”

Mbappé’s Mourinho reaction on social media

What do you make of Kylian Mbappé liking a post about a possible return for José Mourinho?

“I do not care,” Arbeloa said. “He can like Mourinho, Julia Roberts, or whoever he wants.”

Academy players and rotation

You have always supported youth players, and names like Cestero, Pitarch, Palacios, and Aguado impressed early on. How do you explain their reduced roles?

“The young players have helped us and shown they can play with the first team,” Arbeloa said.

“That is one of the most positive things this season. We have seen they can do it well, in the Youth League and with Castilla as well. My trust in them remains intact.”

Motivation and mindset

How do you motivate the team now?

“My main goal should not be to motivate a Real Madrid player. Their self-demand is already very high. My job is to prepare them for what they will face on the field.”

World Cup concerns

Are you worried players may already be thinking about the World Cup?

“If I do not lower my standards, I expect my players not to either,” Arbeloa said. “We will definitely continue to see the same level of commitment.”

Title race focus

There are still points available mathematically in the title race.

“It does not depend on us. Our goal is to win all six remaining matches, regardless of what Barcelona does,” he said. “We are only focused on this match against Betis.”