Real Madrid manager says his players need to work harder because “talent alone isn’t enough”
Alvaro Arbeloa is impressed by the “intelligent and brave” Vinicius Junior after the forward scored twice in Real Madrid’s 2-0 win over Espanyol to delay Barcelona’s La Liga title celebrations.
Madrid needed a victory at the RCDE Stadium to prevent Barcelona from being crowned champions ahead of next weekend’s clásico. Vinicius delivered with two second-half goals to ensure the gap at the top remained at 11 points with four games remaining.
“He played another great game, and scored two great goals,” Arbeloa said. “He was the leader in attack, a total threat.
“Every time he got the ball he was aggressive, intelligent, brave, and constant. It’s another game where he’s made a great effort, helping the team. He’s a fantastic player, a born leader. Everyone here loves him.”
Barcelona would need to lose their remaining four games while Real Madrid win all of theirs before Arbeloa’s side can pip their eternal rivals to this season’s title. Both sides meet at Camp Nou next Sunday, when Madrid would need to beat Barcelona to prevent them from sealing the league win.
It is unclear whether Kylian Mbappe, who missed the game at the RCDE Stadium with injury troubles, will be fit for the clásico.
“We’ll see how he is this week,” Arbeloa said. “After the test last week we thought it might be a bit longer, but we’ll see how it goes.”
Arbeloa was also questioned about the player’s absence given that he has been pictured on holiday.
“All of the planning for the injured players is supervised by Real Madrid medical staff,” said Madrid’s coach. “They control when the players have to be at Valdebebas. In their free time the players can do as they see fit.”
Arbeloa also reiterated his constant point this season that the players need to work harder.
“We need the commitment of all the players to press, defend and attack, if you want to be a complete team nowadays,” Arbeloa said. “Talent alone isn’t enough.
“When the players understand what Real Madrid is, what made it great, the talent and the effort comes together and we’re the best team in the world.”
