Arbeloa talks Rodrygo, Mastantuono, Brahim, Fran Garcia, Negreira ahead of Valencia vs Real Madrid

Madrid – Real Madrid head to Mestalla on Thursday for a pivotal La Liga clash with Valencia, and manager Álvaro Arbeloa used his pre-match press conference to tackle everything from selection dilemmas to Spanish football’s ongoing Negreira controversy.

With only one point separating Madrid from league-leading Barcelona—who face Mallorca earlier in the day—Arbeloa knows the margin for error is shrinking. “We’re very aware of how difficult tomorrow’s match will be,” he said. “It’s a tough game, both because of the atmosphere and because of the quality of Valencia’s team. We have to give our best if we want to get the three points.”

Madrid’s recent record at Mestalla has been patchy, a fact Arbeloa attributes to Valencia’s consistent quality. “Valencia always has a great team, great squads, players, coaches… Beating Real Madrid is one of the biggest challenges of the year for every team,” he noted, while adding that the travelling Madridistas in the city provide “a lot of love” for the squad.

Selection-wise, Arbeloa confirmed a fully fit squad. “I have all the players available and I’ll use them in the best way I see fit to win the match,” he stated, stressing that versatility will be key. “My goal is to choose the player who can give us the best performance against the opponent we’re facing, and we have many players who can play in several positions.”

The 41-year-old also defended his decision to grant the squad two days off after the dramatic 2-1 win over Rayo Vallecano, sealed by a last-gasp Kylian Mbappé penalty. “Planning is about organizing ourselves to face the week in the best way possible,” he explained. “In my first 20 days, the players had two days off… It’s been a very busy week.”

Arbeloa then waded into political waters, addressing Barcelona’s withdrawal from the European Super League and former Barça president Joan Gaspar’s criticism of Madrid over the Negreira case. “Regarding the Negreira case, I think no one understands why the biggest scandal in Spanish football remains unresolved. I believe that should worry many people,” he said bluntly.

On the training pitch, the former full-back has spent the international break drilling “automatic responses” into his squad. “We’re far from reaching our full potential,” he admitted, but insisted the only route forward is “hard work and putting in the hours.”

Franco Mastantuono, the 17-year-old Argentine prodigy, has emerged as Arbeloa’s preferred right-winger. “He’s a young lad who arrived at Real Madrid very early, with tremendous potential and the ability to play on the wing and beat defenders. He’s powerful, has great dribbling skills, works hard, and brings intensity,” the coach enthused. “I’m very happy with his work and commitment.”

Brahim Díaz, whose minutes have dwindled, was praised for his flexibility. “He has the ability to play centrally, between the lines, and link up with teammates… He’s a very talented player, and it depends on what the game requires,” Arbeloa said, hinting the former Manchester City man could still feature prominently.

Fran García’s blocked loan to Bournemouth in January raised eyebrows, yet Arbeloa offered unequivocal support: “He’s an exceptional guy, giving 100% every single day. His attitude and mentality are always exemplary; he represents the Real Madrid badge very well, and I’m very proud to have him.”

Finally, Arbeloa confirmed Rodrygo remains sidelined after his red card against Benfica and subsequent injury. “He has already issued a statement of remorse. He knows he made a mistake, and from there, the goal is to get him back as soon as possible and in the best possible condition,” he concluded.

Madrid’s quest for consistency resumes at 21:00 CET on Thursday, aware that anything less than victory could see the gap to Barcelona stretch to four points before the weekend.