Alvaro Arbeloa to Publico

Alvaro Arbeloa talked to Publico about Real Madrid and the Spanish national team.

You’ve left England and Liverpool. It’s quite a change…
Yes, it is. Both personally and professionally. The great challenges for the season have just begun: Real Madrid and the World Cup.

Does the Spanish squad still think about the defeat to the US?
It was a harsh blow. Nobody expected it.

Everyone thought you’d face Brazil in the final.
Possibly. It think both us and the whole of Spain learned a lot from that defeat.

What do you mean?
I mean euphoria has disappeared. A victory like that has humbled us. Being favourites doesn’t mean you are going to win. I’m sure it did us a lot of good in the end.

How is the competition between you and Ramos for the right back position?
Strong. Football wouldn’t be what it is without competition.

But could it be bad for your progress to have a player like him as a team-mate?
I don’t think so. I can adapt to various positions. I’m also good as a left back; I’ve played there more than once with Spain.

Tell me about Belgium.
We know practically everything about them. Del Bosque has made us watch many videos these past few days.

Spain suffered in Brussels until Iniesta sowed up. Will you miss him?
We always miss whomever isn’t here, especially someone like Iniesta because he is one of the best players in the world. Belgium will be a tough opponent.

Will you have to mark Fellaini?
I don’t know. I’ve been niggled. Fellaini is their key player. I played against him in international games and when I was at Liverpool and he is very hard to stop. He moves very well.

You’ll play your first game at Riazor since you left Liverpool.
I played few but intense months with Deportivo. It will be special to return.