article: Arbeloa lifts the lid on Real's two star turns
Another article:
Arbeloa lifts the lid on Real's two star turns
Álvaro Arbeloa says Kaká will be the same force for Real Madrid as he was for AC Milan.
The Brazilian playmaker has made a disappointing start to life in Spain, scoring just four goals in 16 league appearances and just one in the Champions League. There were signs that he was back to his best in the weekend win at struggling Xerez and Arbeloa, another of Real's summer signings, believes it won't be long before that is the norm.
"I don't know, maybe it's a matter of time," he told Revista's Guillem Balagué when asked about Kaká's form. "Maybe it's the adaptation to the Spanish league and its style of play, the system we play. It's true we haven't seen a continuation of the Kaká at Milan, but you can see from the small details in training that he continues to be a great player and I'm certain in time he will demonstrate that."
One man who has wasted little time in settling in at the Bernabéu is Cristiano Ronaldo. The former Manchester United man returned from his second suspension of the season with two goals at Xerez in a week when he admitted he would still love to go back to Old Trafford one day. But Arbeloa, who was on opposing sides to the Portuguese in one of English football's fiercest rivalries, says the world's most expensive footballer has found another spiritual home at Madrid.
"The truth is that from his first day here, Cristiano has earned the respect of everyone in the team for his work ethic and mentality, but above all because he is a person who creates a really good atmosphere," he said. "He jokes around a lot and we have a really good vibe with him. He's a player who has a tremendous winning mentality and with big expectations. Everyone gives him stick if he's on the losing side in training - he gets really angry and walks around with a long face. But that mentality spreads through the team and forces us all on."
The win over Xerez, coupled with Barça's first defeat of the season at Atlético Madrid, means Arbeloa's Real are now just two points behind the reigning champions. They clash in the second El Clásico of the season on April 11 which could well decide the title. But the former Liverpool man admits that with the Champions League final being staged at the Bernabéu this season, Europe is where he really wants to rule the roost.
"If I had to choose, I'd go for the Champions League," he said. "Not only because I came so close that day with Liverpool against Milan, but because this year it means so much to Real Madrid."
The website says there's also a video of the interview, but I haven't managed to find it yet. Apparently you have to click on some video link, but I'd love to know where that one is. In case any of you find it, please let me know!
Arbeloa lifts the lid on Real's two star turns
Álvaro Arbeloa says Kaká will be the same force for Real Madrid as he was for AC Milan.
The Brazilian playmaker has made a disappointing start to life in Spain, scoring just four goals in 16 league appearances and just one in the Champions League. There were signs that he was back to his best in the weekend win at struggling Xerez and Arbeloa, another of Real's summer signings, believes it won't be long before that is the norm.
"I don't know, maybe it's a matter of time," he told Revista's Guillem Balagué when asked about Kaká's form. "Maybe it's the adaptation to the Spanish league and its style of play, the system we play. It's true we haven't seen a continuation of the Kaká at Milan, but you can see from the small details in training that he continues to be a great player and I'm certain in time he will demonstrate that."
One man who has wasted little time in settling in at the Bernabéu is Cristiano Ronaldo. The former Manchester United man returned from his second suspension of the season with two goals at Xerez in a week when he admitted he would still love to go back to Old Trafford one day. But Arbeloa, who was on opposing sides to the Portuguese in one of English football's fiercest rivalries, says the world's most expensive footballer has found another spiritual home at Madrid.
"The truth is that from his first day here, Cristiano has earned the respect of everyone in the team for his work ethic and mentality, but above all because he is a person who creates a really good atmosphere," he said. "He jokes around a lot and we have a really good vibe with him. He's a player who has a tremendous winning mentality and with big expectations. Everyone gives him stick if he's on the losing side in training - he gets really angry and walks around with a long face. But that mentality spreads through the team and forces us all on."
The win over Xerez, coupled with Barça's first defeat of the season at Atlético Madrid, means Arbeloa's Real are now just two points behind the reigning champions. They clash in the second El Clásico of the season on April 11 which could well decide the title. But the former Liverpool man admits that with the Champions League final being staged at the Bernabéu this season, Europe is where he really wants to rule the roost.
"If I had to choose, I'd go for the Champions League," he said. "Not only because I came so close that day with Liverpool against Milan, but because this year it means so much to Real Madrid."
The website says there's also a video of the interview, but I haven't managed to find it yet. Apparently you have to click on some video link, but I'd love to know where that one is. In case any of you find it, please let me know!