Real Madrid manager Alvaro Arbeloa has once again demonstrated why he is one of the most forthright figures in European football, telling the press co...
Real Madrid manager Alvaro Arbeloa has once again demonstrated why he is one of the most forthright figures in European football, telling the press corps that the French phenomenon Kylian Mbappe will take to the pitch on Thursday night against Real Oviedo provided his fitness levels are satisfactory. This declaration comes amid swirling question marks in certain quarters over the forward. �s physical condition and, in some less charitable outlets, his very commitment to the white jersey. Speaking with the calm authority of a man who has won the lion. �s share of honours as both player and now manager, Arbeloa addressed the gathering with typical candour.. �Sometimes I say what I think, and other times I say what I have to,. � he declared, a statement that was as much a warning to his interrogators as it was a philosophical reflection. He stated unequivocally that Mbappe, if passed fit by the medical team, will give a good account of himself against the Segunda Division side. The former Spanish international also faced pointed questions regarding his own future at the helm of the world. �s most formidable club and the conspicuous absence of his former teammate and current Real Madrid stalwart Dani Carvajal from Spain. �s World Cup squad. On Carvajal, Arbeloa was measured but firm, suggesting that the powers that be in Spanish football had perhaps overlooked the full back. �s enduring quality and experience at the highest level. When pressed on his own tenure, the gaffer remained characteristically non committal, focusing instead on the immediate task of navigating a tricky cup tie. In the grand scheme of things, Arbeloa. �s careful balancing act between honesty and diplomacy is precisely what Real Madrid expects from its figurehead. At the end of the day, whether it is a question of Mbappe. �s boots, Carvajal. �s international future, or the manager. �s own contract, the message from the Bernabéu remains clear: what is said in public is but a fraction of the full story, and the pitch will always have the final word. Across Lagos and Abuja, the viewing centres will be buzzing with opinions as fans gather around the big screens. In Surulere, where the debate over European football is as hot as the evening pepper soup, supporters will nod approvingly at Arbeloa. �s straight talk, while others will insist that Mbappe should not be risked ahead of a more crucial La Liga fixture. The Nollywood style drama of the press conference will be replayed with theatrical flair, each punters in a worn Real Madrid replica shirt offering his own analysis. Down in Wuse, the arguments will be punctuated by the clink of soft drink bottles, as the faithful wonder if Carvajal. �s omission signals the end of an era for Spanish football, all while keeping one eye on the pitch where the talk will finally be settled.
