"If I said Madrid are always favourites, that's what I think, Arbeloa replied. We are Real Madrid. We never feel less than anyone, regardless of the circumstances, regardless of who we have in front of us. We're Real Madrid, we shouldn't feel inferior. We know our opponents, how good City are and how difficult it will be, but we go into it with enthusiasm, looking them in the eyes."
"That night that Arbeloa said they were always favourites, a line he is held to now, Madrid put six past Monaco and they had needed it. In Arbeloa's first game Madrid had been knocked out of the Copa del Rey at second division Albacete. Although they then won his first at the Bernabeu, an uninspiring 2-0 against Levante, it had been marked by whistles and white hankies, protesting supporters turning on those considered responsible for Xabi Alonso's sacking."
Alvaro Arbeloa, promoted from Real Madrid's B team two months ago, has held 25 press conferences and consistently reinforces that Madrid always feels like favorites. When reminded of his post-Monaco statement claiming Madrid are always favorites, Arbeloa reaffirmed this philosophy, stating the club should never feel inferior to any opponent. Despite acknowledging Manchester City's quality as recent champions, Madrid approaches the matchup with enthusiasm and confidence. However, Madrid's recent form has been inconsistent, including a Copa del Rey elimination to second-division Albacete, mixed results against Levante and Villarreal, and a heavy 4-2 loss to Benfica that contradicts the club's stated confidence.
Read at www.theguardian.com
Unable to calculate read time
Collection
[
|
...
]