Arbeloa on Bellingham, Brahim, Mbappé, Militao, Vinicius, rotations ...

How is the team?

The internationals have all returned healthy, luckily. And that is the main objective. It has been a very positive break for most of them, getting minutes. And we are already aware of the demands of tomorrow's match, because Mallorca needs the points as much as we do. We are ready. It is never easy to play away after a break. There are nine finals left and tomorrow is the first.

Were you surprised about Bellingham?

130

Bellingham
16.210.000€+150.000€    9

J1

MD

34

His case was a bit particular, because he played a few minutes against Atlético, but Tuchel has decided that he should not play now. They did not want to take risks. Jude is smart enough to have done good training sessions. And he is ready to help tomorrow. We need him to start regaining match rhythm.

Do you plan to make rotations?

I plan to field the best team to win the match. We have three matches in six days, and all very demanding; with no margin for error. And tomorrow I will put out the best possible team. Although I always say this: we will need everyone, it is proving so. 

Have you talked to Mbappé again, after the knee?

265

Mbappé
30.610.000€-50.000€    8

J1

DL

423

What Kylian has said these days: it is absolutely false information. And it is time to leave his knee behind and focus on his goals. That he returns to the level he has and has shown.

Mbappé admitted yesterday that maybe he pressed less...

Kylian is hugely committed and knows perfectly well what I ask of him. Both him and Vini. Forwards have to defend less than defenders; just as they attack more than defenders. But we need to be a very committed team every day. All 25. Right now, we must finish the match without sparing any effort. And then, the talent of these players will make the difference. 

How is Militao?

89

Éder Militão
5.020.000€+70.000€    4

J1

DF

11

He is going to return. In shape, he is surely the best center-back in the world. I haven’t had the fortune to coach him yet, but he is an outstanding center-back. Due to his qualities and leadership, he will help us a lot. He is a differential player and we are very happy to have him back.

Have you been able to see all the internationals?

We all have to keep going, of course. I have written to several; I congratulated Güler. I know what the World Cup means for him. And for his country. I am very happy, very glad to see him happy.

Did Mbappé feel disappointed about being benched in the derby?

No, no. Not at all. With me, he has always had very direct communication. We have talked about most things. And his starting eleven... it was a common-sense decision.

Was it planned that Bellingham would play with England?

I didn’t have any plan; that’s decided by the national coach, as in every country. But there is no problem that he hasn’t had minutes with England, just as it wouldn’t have been if he had. I am happy to see him back and from here, to gradually reconnect with him.

What is the plan with Brahim?

81

Brahim Díaz
5.580.000€-650.000€    3

J1

DL

40

For him to keep playing. He has come out of a situation that was not easy, but he has known how to fight and show the kind of player he is. We have an extraordinary squad and I will need everyone.

How is Vinicius?

221

Vinícius Júnior
21.560.000€+320.000€    7

J1

DL

511

Good, good. It’s clear that Carletto has not given him much rest! (Laughs) But the demands of Real Madrid are very similar to those of Brazil. He comes with a heavy workload of minutes, but we will decide later.