“I don’t have that friendly, buddy-like relationship”

Real Madrid manager Alvaro Arbeloa has said that he has a good relationship with his players. However, he insisted that it is not a ‘buddy-like relationship’, hinting that he commands respect from his players in the dressing room.

Speaking to the media ahead of the game against Alaves, Arbeloa said that the atmosphere inside the dressing room remains good despite the form this season. He believes that maagers need to have good relations with the players, or else they will not be able to be successful at the club.

“My relationship with the dressing room? I don’t have that kind of friendly, buddy-like relationship. I think I’ve had a good relationship. I don’t understand football any other way. And that doesn’t mean you’re not demanding, that you can’t push them…

“It’s a relationship you have to accept when you’re a player. Even in difficult times, there’s always been a good atmosphere in the dressing room. For me, I think that’s a good thing and how a dressing room should be.” (via MadridXtra)

Talking about the club’s season, Arbeloa admitted that Los Blancos cannot go two seasons without trophies. He is confident that they can push for the league title until the end and said:

“Real Madrid are the club where things usually go right. There are times when things don’t, but the mentality of this club is always to look to the future. At Real Madrid, losing isn’t acceptable, but neither is winning, because we know the demands of this club and we always have to look to the future to win. We have to win the seven remaining matches.” (via Madrid Universal)

Real Madrid nine points behind Barcelona in the table with seven matches left in the season.

Alvaro Arbeloa not thinking about his future at Real Madrid

Real Madrid crashed out of the UEFA Champions League earlier this week and reports suggested that the club were set to part ways with Alvaro Arbeloa. The Spaniard was quizzed about the rumors and he was quick to sidestep the question.

He said that the decision was not in his hands, but he has not received any communication from the club that suggests he will be leaving at the end of the season. He said:

“It’s not my decision to make. I’m not worried about my future at all. I’m worried about these seven matches, and especially tomorrow’s. These are club decisions. I have direct communication with the club every week and we have a great relationship, but the only future I’m concerned about is tomorrow. These seven matches are more important than they might seem. We have to prove ourselves tomorrow.” (via Madrid Universal)

Arbeloa was appointed by Real Madrid in January following the exit of Xabi Alonso. He has taken charge of 21 matches, winning 13 and losing seven times.