Arbeloa states Kylian Mbappé’s return poses no issue for Real Madrid.
Coach Álvaro Arbeloa has stated that Kylian Mbappé’s return does not pose an issue for Real Madrid, as the team prepares for their Champions League quarterfinal match against Bayern Munich at the Bernabéu on Tuesday.
Mbappé made his return to the Madrid starting lineup after recovering from a knee sprain that had affected him for several months, during Saturday’s unexpected 2-1 loss at Mallorca, which left Madrid seven points behind leaders Barcelona in the LaLiga title race.
The team had performed well in Mbappé’s absence, securing five consecutive victories, with Arbeloa employing a solid 4-4-2 formation featuring Brahim Díaz alongside Vinícius Júnior in the forward line.
“Mbappé possesses different attributes compared to Brahim, and that requires us to adjust our approach, but I am pleased to have that challenge,” Arbeloa remarked in a press conference on Monday.
“Mbappé joined Madrid for matches like tomorrow’s [against Bayern] and for encounters of this nature. I am confident we will see Kylian at his peak performance.”
Mbappé has netted 13 goals in nine Champions League matches this season, although he only played 21 minutes in Madrid’s notable round-of-16 win over Manchester City.
“What truly matters is my perspective, which is that we are incredibly fortunate to have Mbappé back in the squad,” Arbeloa commented. “There isn’t a coach globally who wouldn’t want him on their team.”
“Mbappé fully understands what Real Madrid represents. He has always aspired to be a Real Madrid player… I would appreciate it if you could ask me [about him] again after the Bayern match.”
Arbeloa is also tasked with integrating Jude Bellingham into the lineup, as he has returned from a hamstring injury and has been utilized as a substitute in Madrid’s last two matches against Atlético Madrid and Mallorca.
In Bellingham’s absence, Arbeloa has relied on academy talents such as Thiago Pitarch and Manuel Ángel, along with Arda Güler in midfield.
“With Bellingham on the pitch, we are a stronger team, I am certain of that,” Arbeloa stated. “We will see him play tomorrow. He brings unique qualities that we must accommodate, and he must adjust to his teammates. That is the essence of football. It is a favorable challenge to have.”
