José María Gutiérrez Hernández, a legend of Real Madrid and current analyst for DAZN, has described the situation facing Álvaro Arbeloa as a “poisoned chalice” during a decisive stage of the season.

In an interview with EFE, the former midfielder explained that the large number of injuries within the squad makes it difficult to fairly evaluate the coach’s work. "It's a poisoned chalice they've given Álvaro, not only because he has to start mid-season, but also because there were already a lot of injuries when he arrived. He's been here a few months and it's not that there are fewer injuries, there are more. You can't see everything a manager can offer when there are so many injuries. We all have high hopes for Álvaro; he knows the club very well, but he doesn't have all the tools to do his best to make things work."

Discussing the absence of Kylian Mbappé ahead of the Champions League round of 16 clash against Manchester City, Guti acknowledged the psychological influence the French forward has on opponents, while insisting the issue goes beyond a single player. "Mbappé is extremely important because of the goals he scores and because he makes the opposing defense a little more afraid, but I think Éder Militão, Jude Bellingham, and other players are vital for this Real Madrid. The team isn't at 100% to handle a tie like this," the Madrid-born former player admitted.

Despite the challenging circumstances, Guti still believes in the emotional strength that often surrounds European nights at the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium. "That's what we Madrid fans cling to, the fact that the tie is difficult, but that Madrid pride and those magical nights at the Bernabéu can return. Let's see if all of that helps Madrid grow and reach a good level so that, above all, we can go into the second leg with hopes of advancing."

The former midfielder also addressed the current issues in the team’s midfield, suggesting that the impact of recent legends is still being felt. "Both Toni Kroos and Luka Modric defined an era at Real Madrid where there was immense talent in that midfield. Now there are great players, but without those two, the team clearly lacks something. It's one of the things Real Madrid needs to seriously consider and try to identify similar players to improve for next year."

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