Arbeloa: "The Bernabeu crowd is fair, we know they will be on our side"

Alvaro Arbeloa spoke to the media before his team takes on Monaco (Tuesday, 21:00). The Real Madrid coach defended Vinicius against the whistles, encouraged the Bernabeu to cheer on their team and reaffirmed his position on the campaigns against Florentino

The team

"The team is fine and looking forward to it after Saturday's victory and knowing that it is a very important competition. Winning tomorrow would bring us closer to that goal. We are aware of the importance of the competition."

Conversation with Vini in training

"There was someone combing their hair, they even put on perfume... A funny anecdote and not much else."

Whistles for Vinicius

"What I hope and wish for is the support of the Bernabeu for all its players and especially for Vinicius," he said. "He has been writing his history for many years. He has given us two Champions League titles. And he needs the fans to give his best. He has a huge heart and is very emotional. His football is also emotional. As a coach, I would love a Bernabeu next to Vinicius and all the players."

Is there a brain missing?

"I have an extraordinary squad. Being with them these six days I have realized that they are better than I thought. And I came to fight for all the titles. We will do whatever it takes to fight for them. And I would love the fans to be with us because when Madrid has won titles it is because the Bernabeu has been on their side. If you ask any rival, they all talk about the atmosphere at the Bernabeu."

How should they react to the whistles?

"The same as the other day. They ran, they worked hard, they were unbalanced. A very good second half and that's the Vinicius and Jude we want to see. They are two of the best in the world. And they also need the fans to get the best out of them."

Statements about Florentino

"It may not have been clear. As a youth player and player, I respect the opinion of the Bernabeu. The whistles weaken Madrid and there are campaigns. I know who orchestrates them and they are not going to deceive me. The journalists are you, I am coach of Madrid. The match against Monaco is what occupies my time. My team too. That's what I put all my energy into."

Ancelotti's visit

"I don't know if he will be there tomorrow. He didn't come to say hello. I hope that if he is there, he will come down and see his players. For me it was a pleasure to be coached by him. There is no need to talk much about his quality as a coach. I would like to see him and give him a big hug."

Ancelotti quote

"I think this badge demands effort. That's what I'm seeing in my players. They have an exceptional attitude. I saw players press, drop back, get together, bite... I have no doubt that effort is paramount. That's how I've seen it since I've been here."

Debate about who is a Madridista

"I see you very worried about the whistles. I know what the Bernabeu crowd is like. If there is one thing that the fans are, it is fair. We are working and we know that they will be on our side."

More about Vinicius

"Vinicius is going to be on the pitch whenever he is available and performs as he knows how. I have repeated myself a lot in these five press conferences about him. As a coach, if I want to win titles, I need him on the pitch and not off it."