Overview
- In his third media appearance since replacing Xabi Alonso, Álvaro Arbeloa asked fans to back the team and said all responsibility for results rests with him.
- The coach confirmed Kylian Mbappé is fit to be called up against Levante, with Rodrygo, Rüdiger, Lunin, Militão, Mendy and Trent unavailable.
- Arbeloa denied his prior comments were a criticism of Alonso and cited work with fitness boss Antonio Pintus to raise the squad’s physical level.
- Fresh analysis in Spain ties Madrid’s creative shortfall to the exits of Toni Kroos and Luka Modric and faults the club for not recruiting similar midfield profiles.
- In South America’s preseason, Alianza Lima coach Pablo Guede tested players out of position and praised Luis Advíncula’s debut, while Universitario’s Javier Rabanal said he will maintain a 3-5-2 setup as he integrates newcomers.