Real Madrid Coach Arbeloa Confident Against Man City

Álvaro Arbeloa, the current coach of Real Madrid, stated on Tuesday that his team does not feel inferior to their Champions League opponents, Manchester City, even in the absence of injured striker Kylian Mbappé. Mbappé is sidelined due to a knee sprain and did not train ahead of the last 16 first leg at the Santiago Bernabéu.

Arbeloa acknowledged that while Mbappé would improve the team, players like Jude Bellingham, Rodrygo Goes, and Éder Militão are also significant contributors. He expressed confidence in Real Madrid's rich history and their ability to compete against any team, including Manchester City, who won the competition for the first time in 2023.

Arbeloa, who took over from Xabi Alonso in January, noted the learning experience of facing Pep Guardiola, a coach known for his tactical preparation. Guardiola, in turn, emphasized the importance of not letting fear affect his players' approach to the match.