Álvaro Arbeloa: “Diego Simeone pushes you to the limit”
He spoke before Sunday’s derby
VALDEBEBAS, SPAIN - MARCH 05: Alvaro Arbeloa attends his press conference during the training day of Real Madrid ahead the Spanish League, LaLiga EA Sports, football match against RC Celta de Vigo at Ciudad Deportiva Real Madrid on March 05, 2026, in Valdebebas, Madrid, Spain. (Photo By Oscar J. Barroso/Europa Press via Getty Images) | Europa Press via Getty Images Real Madrid coach Álvaro Arbeloa was asked about his feelings ahead of his first Madrid Derby against Atlético on Sunday, and about Diego Simeone’s claim that his team are “the people’s team”.
Arbeloa replied, “well, well… I think it’s great. I focus on my own team. And it’s a privilege to face managers like Diego Simeone, who has been demonstrating his quality and talent as a manager for many years at Atlético Madrid.
Where he’s taken them, the consistency he’s maintained and where he’s restored Atlético Madrid to… It’s a privilege, because he’s the kind of manager who pushes you to the limit, who demands the utmost from you and makes you think long and hard about the matches. So… well, I’ll say it again: it’s a privilege to be able to face the best managers in the world. ” Arbeloa on the Derby “With enthusiasm and excitement.
It’s an important match because of what these three points mean, for the fans, and because of the excitement that’s been built up. It’s one of the best matches you can experience. I’m looking forward to seeing a passionate Bernabéu.