Real Madrid under pressure: Álvaro Arbeloa sends warning to players before Celta clash

“When you’re up 3-0, it’s easy to put on this jersey and look like a great professional. But the real test is now, in adversity.” That was the message from Álvaro Arbeloa as he addressed the media ahead of Real Madrid’s trip to face Celta de Vigo on Friday.

Moments earlier, however, Arbeloa had chosen silence when confronted with a more uncomfortable question.

Would finishing the season without a trophy be a failure? The coach declined to engage.

“The only thing on my mind is Celta,” he said. “I’m not thinking about anything else.”

Arbeloa did acknowledge that the team’s level has not been good enough.

“I’m very aware the team can play better. We have a great squad. But here there’s no point explaining a defeat. The only thing that matters is winning.”

Mbappé injury update before facing Celta

Attention inevitably turned to Kylian Mbappé, who remains under close observation after recent fitness concerns.

“I speak with him every day,” Arbeloa said. “Everything we’re hearing is positive. He’s getting better day by day.”

Questions have also circulated about several Madrid players traveling abroad for recovery during the season.

Arbeloa insisted those decisions are strictly controlled.

“All of those situations are supervised by the club’s medical staff. Every single one.”

Defensive crisis deepens before Celta trip

Madrid’s defensive problems have worsened ahead of the trip to Estadio Abanca Balaídos.

Arbeloa confirmed that David Alaba will not be available, adding to the growing list of absences in central defense.

Despite the setbacks, the coach tried to keep the mood light.

“They actually make things easier for me,” he joked. “I have fewer decisions to make.”

Then he quickly returned to his central message.

“This is Real Madrid. We don’t make excuses. We have to rise to the challenge.”

Two straight league defeats increase Madrid pressure

Madrid arrive in Vigo after two straight defeats in LaLiga, a situation that always raises alarm inside the club.

“Defeat is always difficult to manage at a club like Real Madrid,” Arbeloa admitted. “But right now we’re only thinking about tomorrow. The past doesn’t exist. All that matters is Balaídos.”

He warned that the challenge will not be simple.

“They’re a very well-coached team playing with a lot of confidence,” he said of Celta. “They’ve won four straight games and they’re playing very good soccer.”

Arbeloa calls for patience with young players

Arbeloa also came to the defense of two young prospects, Dean Huijsen and Franco Mastantuono, urging patience from supporters.

“Players their age are often in the Juvenil A team, and Huijsen could be playing with Castilla based on his age,” he said.

He pointed to the early criticism faced by Vinícius Júnior when the Brazilian first arrived in Madrid.

“Look what people were saying about Vinicius when he arrived, and look at him now,” Arbeloa said. “We need patience.”

Playing for Real Madrid, he added, comes with unique pressure.

“This is the most demanding club in the world. The fans should understand each player, support them, demand hard work, and encourage them even when they make mistakes. Soccer is a game of mistakes.”

Arbeloa admits Brahim deserves more minutes

Arbeloa also acknowledged that Brahim Díaz has not played as much as his performances in training deserve.

“He’s playing less than he should, and that’s my responsibility,” the coach said. “He trains extremely well and everyone knows his quality.”

“That’s on me. I need to find a way to get more out of him.”

A brutal stretch of matches ahead

Arbeloa concluded by pointing to the demanding schedule that has limited training time.

“We simply haven’t had enough time to work,” he said. “We’ve almost had more games than training sessions.”

The timing could hardly be worse.

After the defeat against Getafe, Madrid now faces what Arbeloa described as a “Tourmalet,” borrowing a Tour de France cycling term for a grueling climb to describe the brutal run of games ahead.

Los Blancos play Manchester City in the Champions League round of 16 on March 11 and March 17, followed by Atlético Madrid in LaLiga on March 22.

Get closer to the game! Whether you like your soccer of the European variety or that of 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.