Alvaro Arbeloa, the manager of Real Madrid, has delivered a fervent rallying call to the media as his team prepares for the Champions League last-16 first-leg clash against Manchester City.
The 43-year-old took charge at the Bernabéu in January 2026 following the exit of Xabi Alonso, and now faces what many consider his toughest tactical challenge yet.
Despite a challenging domestic run that included losses to Osasuna and Getafe, Arbeloa has successfully steered his team through the European knockout stage, overcoming Benfica to set up yet another encounter with Pep Guardiola’s squad.
As these two football powerhouses gear up for their 16th European meeting, Arbeloa finds himself under significant pressure amid speculation about his long-term position, with notable names like Jürgen Klopp linked to the role.
Before the upcoming match against Manchester City, Arbeloa emphasized that he and his team should never feel inferior to any club in Europe, although they recognize the threat posed by Guardiola and his talented squad.
“We are Real Madrid; we never consider ourselves lesser than anyone. We shouldn’t feel inferior to anyone,” Arbeloa stated confidently.
“We are well aware of our opponents—the club, the coach [Pep Guardiola], and the players. They were champions two years ago, but we are entering this match with great enthusiasm… Tomorrow, we will play to win.”
Predicted Starting Line-Up: Real Madrid vs Manchester City (UEFA Champions League Last-16 First-Leg)
Anticipating Guardiola’s ‘Surprises’
Addressing Guardiola’s tactical approach for the match, Arbeloa remarked, “[Pep] always has a surprise in store.”
“He’s a coach who, no matter how much you study his teams, will have something unexpected up his sleeve, with the unique strategies he’s capable of employing. I’d be surprised if there weren’t any alterations in their setup, their attacking methods, or a player who hasn’t featured recently.”
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Mbappe Injury Update: Is the Frenchman Fit for the Bernabéu?
One player who has dominated pre-match discussions due to uncertainty surrounding his fitness is Kylian Mbappe. Arbeloa provided an update, stating, “[Mbappé] is feeling much better.”
“As I’ve mentioned, we are taking it day by day, monitoring his progress, but this week has been very encouraging. He’s improving, so we expect to have him back soon.”
Although the news about Mbappé is promising, the 27-year-old remains questionable for the first leg, having skipped Tuesday’s final training session at Valdebebas. Arbeloa is likely to rely on Vinicius Jr to spearhead the attack.
From a tactical standpoint, Arbeloa may need to decide whether to mirror Guardiola’s structured game plan or to stick to a direct, high-pressing style that recently gave Madrid a narrow victory over Celta Vigo.
With the second leg scheduled for the Etihad Stadium on March 17, securing a home advantage in this match is crucial for a Real Madrid team grappling with an injury list that includes key players like Jude Bellingham and Rodrygo.