The Real Madrid coach, Álvaro Arbeloa, came out this Saturday in defense of Aurélien Tchouaméni and Federico Valverde after the altercation between both players this week and asked not to “burn them in a public bonfire” a few hours before the Clásico against FC Barcelona.
During the press conference prior to the league duel, Arbeloa supported the two Madrid midfielders and recalled that both had already apologized after the incident that led the club to impose a fine of 500,000 euros on each of them.
“What I’m not going to do is burn my players in a public bonfire because they don’t deserve it,” said the Merengue coach, who insisted that both Valverde and Tchouaméni represent “very well what Real Madrid is.”
The episode also left sporting consequences for the white team. Valverde will not be able to play in the Classic due to a concussion that will force him to rest for approximately two weeks. Regarding Tchouaméni, Arbeloa confirmed that he will be in the squad, although he avoided revealing whether he will be a starter.
The coach also denied reports about an alleged lack of professionalism within the locker room and criticized leaks about what happened internally in the team.
“That things that happen in the locker room are leaked seems like a betrayal to Real Madrid,” said Arbeloa, who regretted the public exposure of the conflict although he avoided pointing out those responsible.
The coach also assumed part of the responsibility for the club’s complicated season, which is heading towards closing a second consecutive year without titles. However, he assured that he still sees a united group with the ambition to compete again at the highest level.
“I see a healthy locker room, prepared to win again,” he concluded.
Real Madrid will visit Barcelona this Sunday in a decisive Clásico for the definition of LaLiga, where only a white victory would prevent the Barça team from being one step away from revalidating the championship.
