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Manuel Pellegrini Trying To Find The Right Balance - Real Madrid Defender Alvaro Arbeloa

The full-back is expecting a strong challenge from Racing....

Nov 21, 2009 6:28:30 AM

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Alvaro Arbeloa, Real Madrid (MARCA)

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Real Madrid defender Alvaro Arbeloa has declared that coach Manuel Pellegrini is trying to find the right balance between attack and defence and says that the attacking players have now realised that they must sacrifice and work harder in defence for the team, particularly in big games.

"We attack a lot and defend a little. Pellegrini attempts to achieve a balance knowing that there are players who find it difficult to defend. Now, the forwards have also become aware that they have to sacrifice. If not, against hardworking teams like Sevilla or Milan we won't win," Arbeloa told AS.

Ahead of today's Primera Liga tie with Racing Santander at the Bernabeu, Arbeloa says he expects a serious challenge from the Racinguistas, under the stewardship of new coach Miguel Angel Portugal, who Arbeloa worked with in the Madrid B side.

"I worked under Portugal at [Real Madrid] Castilla. It is noticeable that he has come through Madrid because he likes good football. He has written several books, he knows what he likes in a player, and certainly Racing will play a very serious game," noted the former Liverpool defender.

Paul Madden, Goal.com

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