Real Madrid’s interim boss Alvaro Arbeloa rallied his troops ahead of Saturday’s La Liga encounter with Girona, brushing aside doubts about their commitment following two stinging 2-1 losses. The defeats – one to Bayern Munich in Europe and another to Mallorca domestically – have widened the gap to leaders Barcelona to seven points, with just eight games left to claw back ground.
‘Our players know there’s no room for slip-ups; every match counts,’ Arbeloa told reporters on Friday. He poured cold water on suggestions of waning intensity, stressing that talent alone won’t suffice for consistent excellence. ‘Attitude and dedication are everything in life and on the pitch,’ he added.
Looking ahead, Arbeloa confirmed the mindset shift post-midweek setback. Players, he shared, are itching to make amends and thrill the Bernabeu faithful. ‘I’ve spoken to most of them – they want to play and hand the fans a victory present,’ the coach remarked via Xinhua.
Special backing went to Eduardo Camavinga, who’s faced criticism lately. ‘He’s a key asset, proven his worth, and starts tomorrow,’ Arbeloa declared. Boosts come with Bellingham and Militao returning, minus Mendy due to injury. Girona, fresh off beating Villarreal, loses star forward Vant to a season-ending hamstring issue.
With the La Liga summit battle intensifying, this fixture could prove a turning point for Real Madrid’s fading title hopes.
