Arbeloa Praises Moroccan-Origin Pitarch: "The Applause He Received Against Manchester City Was a Great Reward"

Real Madrid coach Álvaro Arbeloa praised the performance of Moroccan-origin player Tiago Pitarch following his participation in the first leg of the UEFA Champions League Round of 16 against Manchester City, emphasizing the importance of appreciating academy players.

Speaking about Pitarch in the press conference following Real Madrid's 3-0 victory over Manchester City, Arbeloa stated, "I congratulated him on the match he played in the Round of 16 against Manchester City, and we must appreciate our academy players."

The coach added, explaining, "It's true that they didn't cost 30, 40, or 50 million euros, but they feel Real Madrid, they have the ability, and it's a source of pride to see them compete, play, and show the world what they are capable of."

When asked about his view on an 18-year-old player like Pitarch and whether he had conveyed his enthusiasm to his teammates in pressing, Arbeloa replied, "I understand that involving an 18-year-old player in a knockout tie like this might raise some doubts, but the effort he puts in and the commitment he shows were clear."

He pointed out, "The fans gave him a well-deserved ovation, and he represents the Real Madrid academy. We must appreciate it much more, and if it's not appreciated from the outside, then we must do so from within."

He concluded, "It is very important to have players from the club's youth system in the dressing room who understand the meaning of Real Madrid, just like Carvajal. The applause Pitarch received was a great reward for the match he delivered."