Arbeloa: "I want Vinicius to dance and enjoy himself"

Alvaro Arbeloa sat for the first time in an almost full press room at Valdebebas as the new coach of Real Madrid, ahead of his first match tomorrow in the Copa del Rey against Albacete (21:00 CEST at the Carlos Belmonte). The former Castilla coach gave some hints of what he wants for his team after the departure of Xabi Alonso, who has already said goodbye to the club on his social networks.

The coach made it clear that his friendship with Xabi is still intact, he revealed that he has reminded the players in his first talk that his best stage as a player was in Madrid and also made clear his commitment to Vinicius. "I want him to dance and enjoy himself," said Arbeloa, who admitted Mourinho's influence although he wants to follow his own path: "If I wanted to be him I would fail miserably".Arbeloa was present alongside Emilio Butragueno, who first sent a message of "affection and admiration" towards Arbeloa and another message for Xabi. "This is your home and we are all going to help you so that the dreams of all the fans are fulfilled in this enormous challenge. Xabi knows that this will always be his home. He is a legend of our club and a great example. The decision has been taken by mutual agreement. We wish him all the best for his future."

After this brief presentation, Arbeloa offered his first impression. He wants the players to enjoy themselves and be the protagonists: "For me it is a special day, I'm not going to lie to you, I'm 42 years old and I've been in this house for 20 years and for me it's a special day. I'm aware of the responsibility I have, aware of the task I have ahead of me, with great enthusiasm."

Everything happened very quickly, as the coach explains: "Yesterday afternoon I was told that they had reached an agreement with Xabi and they wanted me to take over. I spoke to Xabi, everyone here knows how much I appreciate him and how much I love him. And it will continue to be mutual".

About his contract time, he does not talk about the date or the agreement between the two parties, but he is clear: "I've been in this house for 20 years and I'll be here until Madrid wants me to be, this is my home and it always will be. I'm looking forward to starting. I have an extraordinary squad".

Getting his players involved is something he has no doubt about: "I think we've all seen the season and how hard they worked in the Super Cup final. We have a great squad and there are people here with six European Cups, who have been champions and it seems that this is soon forgotten. There are good guys. It's not something I'm too worried about, we have a squad of great professionals, they're all very good guys. There's no one more interested in winning than the players, I know what it's like to be a Madrid player. I told them this morning that the best time of my life was as a Madrid player. They are very demanding of themselves."

What is playing well, to which Arbeloa responds with a message: "Real Madrid has more than 100 years of history and it is difficult for them to be recognised for playing well. Here they have won three Champions Leagues in a row and it was because after training they went to water the garden. Here you have to win".He gave more details of his communication with Xabi: "He has wished me the best and the other way around it would have been the same. Our friendship is above many things and I wish him the best because he is a great coach. We are going to continue together."

The youth academy is gaining strength

"For me it is the best youth academy in the world, there are players from La Fabrica all over the world. I have been lucky enough to be with many youth players who have brought me here. They know that the first team coach knows them better than anyone. I count on them," he added.

Arbeloa also spoke about Mourinho's influence: "For me it was a privilege to train with him, I have a great relationship with him. He influenced me a lot, if I wanted to be him I would fail miserably. I am Arbeloa."

The physical preparation and the role of Pintus are clear: "It is a privilege to have him in the coaching staff, he is exceptional, he will be in charge, he knows many players very well and we know how well he has worked in this house."

Luis Aragones' motto

Xabi Alonso wanted a rock and roll Madrid, but Arbeloa is focused on winning and avoids this type of qualifier and brings out the famous phrase of Luis Aragones: "This club is to win, win and win again. It's in our DNA. That's what has led us to fill the trophy cabinet. When I was a player I received those values from the dressing room, it is the most important thing. That's my obsession."

Vinicius and Xabi's case is in the past, but the coach takes the opportunity to make clear his commitment to the No.7: "I don't get into scenarios that haven't happened to me. I'm enormously lucky to have one of the most unbalancing players in the world. And that's what we want to see, a Vini who enjoys himself and dances. That's what I want to see"."All the players with me start from scratch, this is a new beginning for everyone. We have to win in Albacete and I think all the players are very eager and have shown me their enthusiasm," he concluded.