MADRID (SPAIN) (ITALPRESS) – Rumors about the bench, a rift with Ceballos, and the risk of having to go to Camp Nou next week to pay tribute to Barcelona as already crowned champions. It’s far from a calm eve for Real Madrid, who face Espanyol tomorrow: if the Blaugrana win today, a defeat for Los Blancos would mathematically seal the La Liga title race. And on Sunday, May 10, Real would find themselves at Camp Nou having to perform the traditional “pasillo” (guard of honour) for their eternal rivals.
That’s why a win tomorrow is needed, “but that’s not my main motivation. My motivation is to get the three points, it’s what we need,” said Álvaro Arbeloa bluntly. He is unlikely to remain on the bench much longer, with the shadow of Mourinho looming. “I’m focused on tomorrow’s match. The future is tomorrow. Every game is my life.”
Another delicate issue involves Ceballos, with whom there was reportedly a tense exchange in recent days. “I don’t discuss situations with my players in public. I entered this dressing room more than 20 years ago, and the first thing I learned is that what happens there stays there. It has always been like that and will continue to be.”
Arbeloa was also asked whether this Real Madrid side lacks leadership. “I’m not disappointed with my players; on the contrary, I always defend them publicly. On the other hand, we are a very young team. There have certainly been situations we need to manage better, but a young squad can have these growing pains. Still, there are already leaders here and players with strong personalities.”
– Photo IPA Agency –
(ITALPRESS).
