Real Madrid head coach Álvaro spoke to the media in a press conference shared by Diario AS on their official YouTube channel, ahead of his side’s important away clash against Real Betis. With the La Liga title race tightening and only a few games left, his words reflect both urgency and calm as Madrid try to finish the season strongly.
Facing a tough opponent in Betis, the manager showed respect for Manuel Pellegrini’s side and the challenge ahead. He said:
Well, you already said it. I think it is a team that achieved a very important victory last Tuesday, they are recovering key players and it is not necessary to explain much about the level of opponent Betis are, the players they have, a great coach for whom I have great respect and affection, and it will be a very demanding match for us.
On the title race and the nine-point gap, he made it clear that Madrid’s focus is only on themselves:
It does not depend on us, that is clear. Our objective must be to win the six games regardless of what Barcelona do. That is our objective, to perform at a high level in these six matches, keep improving many things we must do better in the league, and we are not concerned about anything other than tomorrow’s match, winning it, and then we will focus on the next one.
When asked about motivation at this stage of the season, his response was firm and revealing:
Sincerely, I believe my main objective should not be to motivate Real Madrid players. A Real Madrid player must have a very high level of self-demand. My main concern is to prepare them for what they will face on the pitch, to understand how the opponent plays, what solutions we must have, and to have a very clear idea of our game.
He also addressed growing speculation around Dani Carvajal and responded with visible frustration:
My response the other day was serious because I felt the question was out of place. It was not about Carvajal. You can check everything I have said about him since I arrived. He has shown he is more than ready, he has played very demanding matches like against Atlético Madrid and performed very well. I cannot be happier with his performances.
He is a fundamental player for us, on and off the pitch. Anyone who thinks I make line-ups for personal reasons would have to believe a coach is capable of that, and that is very hard for me to accept.
On squad selection and why some players get limited minutes, he explained the reality of competition:
It is very simple. I can only play eleven players. When I choose one, it does not mean I am unhappy with the others. There are many players with whom I am being unfair because they deserve to play more, but I cannot give everyone minutes. There are only five substitutions and that is the reality.
He was also asked about Carvajal’s future at the club and kept his answer measured:
It is a matter between Carvajal and the club. I would love whatever makes both happy to happen. I can only speak about what I have experienced with him in these months and how much he has helped the team in difficult moments.
Comparing Carvajal with Trent Alexander-Arnold, he avoided controversy while praising both:
Trent Alexander-Arnold is showing a great level and deserves to play. When Carvajal has played, he has done very well. Every time I choose a player, it is because I believe he will help us win. I am not a coach who gives minutes away.
On distractions off the pitch, including social media activity involving Kylian Mbappé, he dismissed any concern:
No, not at all. These are things I do not even consider. It does not bother me or matter to me.
Speaking about Vinícius Jr., he confirmed the Brazilian is ready to lead the attack:
He is ready to play tomorrow, he will be a starter. I feel privileged to have him in the team and I am sure he will deliver a great performance and effort as he always does.
On recent struggles and how the team responds mentally and tactically, he said:
To win today you must be at a high level in everything: mental, tactical, and physical. After this last week, it is important to focus on what we must improve and go out to give everything. That is what I ask from the players, to finish the match knowing they gave everything for the team.
He also spoke about recent inconsistencies and took responsibility:
When we do not win, it is not only about self-demand. It is also my responsibility. To win matches, you must do many things right, tactically and in all aspects, and we have things to improve if we want to fight for the title.
Providing an update on Éder Militão, he reassured fans:
We will do a scan now. What we saw yesterday does not look serious. It seems it could just be a scare, but we will know more after the test.
On young players and reduced minutes for academy talents, he remained supportive:
The academy players have helped us a lot when we needed them. They are doing a great job and have shown they can help the first team. My confidence in them remains intact.
Finally, he made his expectations clear regarding player commitment, especially with the World Cup approaching:
I would not understand it if players hold back. I do not do that and I want to lead by example. We must give everything because we are Real Madrid players. Our demand is to win these six matches and I am sure the commitment will be there.
Real Madrid head into this match after a tense home victory where they had to withstand late pressure to secure a narrow 2–1 win, showing both vulnerability and resilience in front of their fans.
Away from the pitch, there has also been clarity regarding the future of Toni Kroos, who has maintained his decision to step away from football, making it clear he will not return despite ongoing discussions.
Softfootball understands that while Madrid remain focused on winning their remaining matches, the pressure is growing both from within and around them as expectations remain high.
Watch the video below;
The overall mood from the press conference reflects determination, accountability, and focus, as Real Madrid prepare for a decisive run-in where every match now carries significant weight.
