Arbeloa: “I would put a statue of Rüdiger in my garden”

“I’m ready to build a statue of Rüdiger and put it in my garden.” Another one‑liner straight from Valdebebas into the Arbeloa quote book — and on the eve of a derby, no less. A matchup that always sets Madrid on fire. But this press conference wasn’t as combative as many expected.

When asked about Simeone’s famous “We’re the team of the people” line, Arbeloa sidestepped the jab: “That’s fine. I focus on my team.” Then he flipped the script and praised him: “It’s a privilege to face him. He’s the kind of coach who pushes you to your limit and makes you rethink every match.”

From there, it was a carousel of big names.

He was firm about Mbappé (“he’s at 100%”), affectionate with Carvajal (“he’s exactly what we need — a leader”), and cryptic about Courtois: “We’re not setting any deadlines, but Real Madrid’s luck is that the best goalkeeper in history gets injured… and we still have another world‑class keeper.”

And with Bellingham’s return approaching, the inevitable question surfaced: what happens to Thiago? Arbeloa kept the mystery alive: “When we reach that river, we’ll cross that bridge… but what a blessing to have to choose between them.”

Arbeloa heads into his first derby as first‑team coach on a day dominated by Rüdiger, statues, and gardens.

Tomorrow is a special, exciting match for Madrid fans. How is Real Madrid approaching it?

“With a lot of excitement and energy. It’s a very important match for us — not just because of the three points, but because of the atmosphere we’ve been experiencing at the stadium lately. The excitement around the team is real. It’s one of the best matches you can experience as a player, a fan… and I’m sure as a coach too. I can’t wait to see a fully committed Bernabéu. We’re arriving with a lot of enthusiasm and a huge desire to face a great team. Maximum excitement.”

What’s the timeline for Courtois? Was there any risk in Manchester?

“There’s always risk every time I put a player on the field. People don’t realize — and it’s normal — but very few players step onto the pitch at 100%, with zero pain or discomfort. That’s just elite football. What I can tell you is that at halftime, Thibaut wanted to keep playing, and I was the one who stopped him. Also because I have total confidence in Lunin. He has already proven many times what a great goalkeeper he is, and I’m sure he’ll prove it again with this opportunity. That’s the advantage of having a squad like this: the best goalkeeper in history gets injured, and we still have another top‑class keeper ready to go.”

… and Courtois’ timeline?

“Oh! Well… we’re not setting any timeline. These two weeks of the break will help a lot, and we’ll see after that. But right now, no deadlines.”

Is Mbappé’s knee fully recovered? Or is he still playing through pain because the team needs him?

“No, no. I already said it: the day he returned would be the day he was at 100%. The minutes he played in Manchester — those two or three bursts of acceleration — in every action he showed he’s doing great. And most importantly, his own sensations. How he felt, how he feels in training. Total confidence, total guarantees, and total excitement to have such a game‑changer back. And at 100%.”

When the big names return, like Bellingham, what happens with Thiago? Will you feel pressure to play the first‑team stars? Or will you be fair and play whoever is in the best form?

“When we reach that river, we’ll cross that bridge” (smiles). “Having Jude Bellingham back is fantastic news. And getting Thiago to perform like this is also fantastic. There are a lot of matches, a lot of minutes. And honestly… I love these problems. Blessed problems — choosing between great players. They can play together too. So just because Bellingham plays doesn’t mean Thiago has to stop playing.”

How difficult will it be to fit Bellingham in, considering Vinicius, Mbappé, and Bellingham are used to having more freedom defensively?

“In the end, it’s collective work. They need to understand what the team has understood in recent matches: when we attack, we all attack; when we defend, we all defend. As a coach, I have to find their best roles, their best positions, and make them function together. Give each of them the space and mobility they need to show their talent. And when we don’t have the ball… all eleven have to work. If we don’t work as eleven, it doesn’t matter who the opponent is — we’ll suffer.

We have to be a team. What I always tell them: move together when we go forward, move together when we go back. That’s collective mentality. I don’t see a problem in having world‑class players. And if it is a problem, then it’s a blessed problem. It’s my job to make sure they understand their role and put their talent at the service of the team.”

Arbeloa: “I would put a statue of Rüdiger in my garden” Soccer Football – LaLiga – Real Madrid v Elche – Santiago Bernabeu, Madrid, Spain – March 14, 2026 Real Madrid’s Diego Aguado comes on as a substitute to replace Antonio Rudiger REUTERS/Violeta Santos MouraVioleta Santos MouraIf they ask whether you want Rüdiger for next season… what do you say?

“I don’t like getting into those matters; I have a lot of respect for both the club and the player — they’re the ones who need to come to an agreement. But if you’re asking me… I’m ready to build a statue of Rüdiger and put it in my garden. From the first day I arrived, he’s done nothing but make himself available to the coaching staff. I remember perfectly: he sat down with me and said, ‘Coach, I’ll be ready in March. When the tough part comes, I’ll be there.’ And he absolutely has been.

We’re lucky the treatment he did with Niko (Mihic) in London worked as well as it did. He’s the example every young player should look to. And… well, I hope Madrid fans realize how lucky we are to have him at this club. They should always appreciate his effort, his personality, the character he brings us — and of course, his talent as a player.”(Pauses) “I can only say wonderful things about Don Antonio Rüdiger.”

What do you think about Mbappé being called up by France after playing only 25 minutes across the last six matches?

“I think it’s great. He’s available for the coach, he’s already played with us, and he’s definitely playing tomorrow. So I don’t see any issue with him going with his national team. In fact, it’s good news. Having a lot of internationals means you have players of very high quality. If they get called up, it’s because they’re very good. Good news for Real Madrid.”

And what about Bellingham going with England? Is it too soon? Do you think it’s the right call?

“I’ll tell you the same thing” (laughs). “He’s already available, he’ll be in the squad tomorrow. We’ll see if he plays — I think… yes. He’s ready. I’m really looking forward to seeing him back on the field. And from there, it’s normal that he goes with his national team. Jude is a very intelligent player; he knows exactly what he’s doing and understands his situation perfectly. I’m just happy he’s available and ready to help us.”

Simeone often says, “We’re the team of the people.” What do you think of that? And what does that make Real Madrid?

“No… well… that’s fine with me” (smiles). “I focus on my team. And it’s a privilege to face coaches like Diego Simeone, who has spent so many years proving his quality and talent at Atlético Madrid — where he’s taken them, the consistency he’s maintained, and how he’s brought Atlético back to the top.

It’s a privilege because he’s the kind of coach who pushes you to your limit, demands the maximum, and makes you rethink every match. So… I’ll repeat it: it’s a privilege to face the best coaches in the world.”

Would it be better for Bellingham and Mbappé to stay here for 15 days and fine‑tune their form? Or for them to go with their national teams and get minutes? What would you prefer?

“No, look…” (laughs). “I don’t spend much time thinking about things that don’t depend on me. And I can’t expect players like Bellingham and Mbappé not to go with their national teams. It’s normal that they go.

Of course they’re hugely important for me — I work with them every day — but I understand they’re just as important for their national coaches, who have a World Cup coming up in a few months. I’ve also had the privilege of representing my country, and I know exactly what you feel — the pride, the responsibility. So I completely understand.

No problem at all. And besides, they’re both extremely intelligent players. They know how important they are for their countries, but also for their club. I’ll be waiting for them to come back in a few days.”

Arbeloa: “I would put a statue of Rüdiger in my garden” Bellingham, in training at Valdebebas on Friday.Real MadridCarvajal wasn’t called up by Spain… How is he? Will he get more minutes to help him reach the World Cup?

“My job is to think about Real Madrid, and that’s what I’ve done when I’ve put Carvajal on the field — like against Elche, where he played 90 minutes. I think that will help him, help him get rhythm, help him keep contributing. He also did very well in the matches against Manchester City.

He’s available. And as always, he’s a player whose importance goes far beyond what he does on the field — which is obviously huge. But the impact he has in the locker room, every message he gives… it helps his teammates enormously. And that’s what we need: a leader. For me, a leader is someone who leads on the field and off it. You’re either a leader everywhere, or you’re not a leader.”

When Bellingham and Mbappé are on the field, will you need to adjust things? Or will they need to adapt to a team that’s already functioning well?

“We work collectively, and then depending on who’s on the field, we make certain adjustments. It’s not the same to play with Brahim up front as with Kylian. Or with Jude instead of Arda… or Thiago. They all have different characteristics, and when they’re on the field, we’ll try to maximize them.

And defensively… everyone has to do their job, as they always have. It’s not like Jude hasn’t worked defensively, or Kylian hasn’t. These are players who’ve spent many years at the top level — they know exactly what it means to work as a team and put their talent at the service of their teammates.”

There’s a lot of talk about chemistry between forwards. As a coach, can you influence that? Or is it up to them?

“Yes, yes. Well… there are natural partnerships — players who connect really well, who have a great relationship off the field and on it, who have great chemistry. And it’s part of a coach’s job to help great players connect and complement each other.

I’m lucky to have a fantastic locker room. The attacking players get along and understand each other very well. They’re very intelligent. I haven’t had to work much on that because they do it naturally. And when you have players with that talent and that chemistry, everything becomes easier.”

With so many academy players involved now, do you feel something is changing at Real Madrid?

“Well… you have to remember that Real Madrid’s squad is made up of the best players in the world. And what the academy players have done is show that they can not only help — they can perform at a very high level. And in a very difficult moment for the first team.

We still have many, many matches ahead. A very tight schedule. And I’m sure they’ll keep contributing. Thiago, of course… but also Manuel Ángel, who did very well in his minutes against Manchester City. We’ve seen the talent of Palacios, Aguado… the other day Yáñez came on for a bit.

I think it’s important. And it goes beyond philosophy or belief in the academy. For me, it’s about believing in players. I know their potential, what they can give me, how they can help. And from there… we’ll see. When everyone is back, I’ll have more options. And then we’ll decide.

But the important thing is that the team wins — and that the academy players are ready when their opportunities come.”