Real Madrid head coach Alvaro Arbeloa has insisted his side will not feel inferior when they face Manchester City in the UEFA Champions League round of 16, despite being without injured striker Kylian Mbappé.
Madrid host City in the first leg at the iconic Santiago Bernabéu Stadium on Wednesday, but Mbappé will miss the encounter after failing to train with the squad due to a knee sprain.
The French forward recently travelled to France for tests and treatment, though Arbeloa confirmed his condition is improving.
Speaking ahead of the high-profile clash, Arbeloa remained confident in the pedigree of the Spanish giants, who hold a record 15 Champions League titles.
“We are Real Madrid and I think that we never feel lesser than anyone else,” Arbeloa told reporters.
“It doesn’t matter the circumstance, it doesn’t matter who is in front of us, we are Real Madrid and we should not feel inferior to anyone.”
The Madrid boss acknowledged the quality of their opponents, managed by Pep Guardiola, but stressed that his team will approach the match with optimism.
“Tomorrow we have an opponent we know well — the identity of the club, the coach and the players. We know what Manchester City is, but we’ll head into it full of hope.”
Apart from Mbappé, Madrid will also be without several key players including Jude Bellingham, Rodrygo Goes and Éder Militão, who are sidelined through injuries.
In Mbappé’s absence, Brazilian winger Vinícius Júnior is expected to shoulder the attacking responsibility.
Arbeloa believes the forward will play a key role if Madrid are to overcome the English champions.
“He’s taking a lot of responsibility. We need the best of him if we’re going to knock out Manchester City,” the coach added.
Arbeloa, who replaced Xabi Alonso as Madrid coach in January, described his first two months in charge as a significant learning experience.
However, he also admitted he is wary of Guardiola’s tactical ingenuity.
“He’s always got a surprise prepared. He’s a coach who, in these kinds of games, has something different ready.”
The first leg in Madrid is expected to set the tone for what promises to be another thrilling Champions League showdown between two of Europe’s most formidable sides.
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