Arbeloa: Real Madrid Won't Feel Lesser Than Man City Without Mbappe

Real Madrid 'Won't Feel Inferior' to Man City says Arbeloa

Real Madrid coach Alvaro Arbeloa insists his team won't feel inferior to Manchester City despite Kylian Mbappe's injury absence. Madrid face City in the UCL round-of-16 first leg at the Santiago Bernabeu.

“Tomorrow we have an opponent we know well, the identity of the club, coach, players, what Manchester City is...”

Alvaro Arbeloa: Real Madrid won't feel lesser than Man City without Mbappe. Real Madrid coach Alvaro Arbeloa insists his team shouldn't feel inferior to Manchester City despite Kylian Mbappe's injury absence.

Mbappe didn't train ahead of Wednesday's UCL round-of-16 first leg due to a knee sprain, and he'll miss the Santiago Bernabeu clash with Pep Guardiola's side. Arbeloa says Mbappe's improving, though. 

Madrid are also missing key players like Jude Bellingham, Rodrygo, and Eder Militao. Despite the absences, coach Carlo Ancelotti remains confident in his team's chances, emphasizing Real Madrid's history as 15-time European champions.

“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.

“Tomorrow we have an opponent we know well, the identity of the club, coach, players, what Manchester City is... but we'll head into it full of hope.”

Mbappe was in France last week for tests and treatment on a knee sprain, which Arbeloa said was looking better.

“He's a lot better, as I've said a lot over the last few weeks it's something that we have to look at day by day,” said the Spaniard.

“All this week has been very positive, he's come back feeling good and each day he's doing better, so I hope he's back soon.”

Vinicius Junior to lead Real Madrid's attack in Mbappe's absence. 

“He's taking a lot of responsibility... we need the best of him if we're going to knock out Manchester City,” added Arbeloa.

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Arbeloa's been learning fast since taking over in January. Arbeloa, who took over from Xabi Alonso in January, said his first two months in the job have been a “big learning experience,” and he expects Guardiola to arrive in the Spanish capital with a surprise up his sleeve. 

He knows Guardiola's got tricks up his sleeve for the UCL clash, and expects a tough game at the Santiago Bernabeu. 

“He's always good a surprise prepared, he's a coach who in these kind of games has something different ready,”said Arbeloa.