Real Madrid coach hoping European football’s governing body will “do more” than have a slogan
Alvaro Arbeloa has asked Uefa to take decisive action in the alleged racism case between Real Madrid’s Vinicius Junior and Benfica player Gianluca Prestianni.
The 43-year-old said it was an opportunity for the European football governing body to show that it takes the fight against racism seriously.
“We have a great opportunity to mark a turning point in the fight against racism,” Arbeloa said. “Uefa, which has always been a champion of this fight against racism, has the opportunity to do more than just leave it as a slogan, or a nice banner before matches. And let’s hope – or rather, I hope – that they seize this opportunity.”
Madrid face Benfica in the return leg at the Camp Nou with a one-goal lead, after Vinicius scored the only goal to give Madrid the win in Portugal. Prestianni will miss the match after having been given a provisional one-match ban while an investigation continues.
But Arbeloa is not letting off-the-pitch issues distract his team.
“We’re focused on playing at a high level, putting on a great performance, on doing things right on the pitch and delivering a great performance so we can win the game,” Arbeloa said.
“That’s where we’re putting all our energy and effort. And that’s what we want to see tomorrow. The rest, obviously, isn’t our concern. Or at least, it’s not up to us to make those kinds of decisions. That has to be Uefa’s.”
On Vinicius, Madrid’s coach said: “He’s doing very well, very well. He’s really eager and, as you say, very motivated for these kinds of matches. The truth is, since I arrived, he’s been performing exceptionally well; he’s been a game-changer, which is what any coach wants, to have a player like Vinicius Junior on the pitch.
“We’re aiming to get the most out of him. We want him to have opportunities on the field where he can demonstrate his full potential.
“And then he’s a very important guy in the dressing room, with a lot of character. He’s a leader, and we need him to enjoy himself again tomorrow and have another great game.”
