Real Madrid head coach Alvaro Arbeloa spoke to the media before Real Madrid’s match against Levante on Saturday. He was asked about the loss to Albacete and what Dani Carvajal said, to which he answered: “I understand that people are looking for someone to blame, but I work to find solutions. Everything that happens on the pitch is my responsibility. When things aren’t going well, I understand that I have to be able to help my players better. I feel very responsible for everything that happens on the pitch. I still feel the same way about that defeat in Albacete. I like what I say to my players to stay in the locker room. I told them an anecdote: it took me many years to win my first European Cup. I had won a World Cup, two European Championships, the record-breaking league title… when we finally won La Décima, after a lot of effort, I got on the bus and behind me was a teammate who was playing his first season in the Champions League. And he said to me, ‘Next year, let’s go for another one.’ I looked at him and said, ‘After all the effort it took me.’ That person was our captain (Carvajal). The past doesn’t exist. Not when you win European Cups, nor when Albacete knocks you out. That’s it.”
Arbeloa on Levante
“We’re focused and full of energy, really eager. For us, it’s a crucial match. Staying in the fight for the league title and playing at the Bernabéu motivates us a lot. We want to play a great game.”
Arbeloa on arriving at 6:57am to train
“That’s because you didn’t see me coming on at Castilla. I usually come on early. There’s a lot of work to do here, I said that on the first day. From the first day until I leave, I’m going to give my all and work as many hours as it takes to win every title.”
Arbeloa on how the Bernabeu will react
“I have a lot of respect for the Bernabéu’s opinion. I understand that Madrid fans are hurt and disappointed with us, but I’m going to ask for their support. In Real Madrid’s 123-year history, titles have only been won when the Bernabéu has been behind the players. Juanito said that ’90 minutes at the Bernabéu are very long,’ when the Bernabéu is with our players. That’s what I’m going to ask of them.”
Arbeloa on Kylian Mbappé
“He’s better and he’ll be in the squad.”
Arbeloa on physical preparation
“I’m not unaware of everything that’s being said, and obviously, if anyone wants my words to be a criticism of Xabi, they’re not going to find them. They’ll be very wrong. What happened in Albacete was a lack of ideas, of play, of fitness… of many things for which I am responsible. There will only be one person responsible, and that’s the Real Madrid coach. With Antonio Pintus, we will work to get the players back to their best in every aspect.”
Arbeloa on Jude Bellingham
“We’ve trained together for a couple of days, and you can see up close what kind of player he is. He has to be another leader on this team. I always like to have players who are very mobile, and Jude has the ability to create and build attacks. I’ll ask him to be a key player. He also has the ability to get into the box, and we have to take advantage of that.”
“We’ve trained together for a couple of days, and you can see up close what kind of player he is. He has to be another leader on this team. I always like to have players who are very mobile, and Jude has the ability to create and build attacks. I’ll ask him to be a key player. He also has the ability to get into the box, and we have to take advantage of that.”
Arbeloa on Vinicius Jr
“The players who were available for the Albacete match were called up; those who weren’t selected were at risk of injury. When I wanted to acknowledge Vini’s effort, it was because I knew where he’d been coming from: a very tough week, a lot of hard work. It wasn’t just his willingness, but also the performance he delivered. That’s what I need from Vinicius. That’s what it means to be a leader. I’ve also read a lot of criticism directed at the youth academy. You can be sure you’ll have me on your side, because for me, Real Madrid’s youth academy is the best in the world, and they’ll always be there for me.”
Arbeloa on Fede Valverde
“The great thing about Fede is that he could also do well in goal. He’s such a talented player that he could excel anywhere. The other day, I put him in his natural position. But I have a fantastic captain in him, and he’s proven that in recent months. We’ll see him in many positions because he can contribute so much. I like a team with a lot of movement, where players interchange positions. I’m sure Fede will really enjoy playing football, which is ultimately what I want. Fede embodies Real Madrid and is an exceptional representative of this badge.”
Arbeloa on being ‘static’ against Albacete
“Because at Castilla I don’t even have to raise my voice to be heard. Here, in a stadium that’s constantly buzzing with cheers, it’s hard for them to hear me. It’s difficult for a player on the other side to hear you. My main job is to talk to them during the week and make sure they’re very clear about what I expect from them. Obviously, we’ll have to make adjustments and we’ll have to communicate. But I always try to stay calm and keep a cool head when making decisions. The fact that they can’t hear me… that’s something I miss.”
Arbeloa on how he wants Real Madrid to play
“I want to see a Real Madrid team that goes out to win from the first minute, where there is no doubt that our objective is to attack the opponent’s goal. I want the Bernabéu to know what we want. I want a team with a lot of character, a lot of personality, and that inspires. I want the Bernabéu crowd to see themselves reflected in their players.”
Arbeloa on needing time
“Coaches always need time, which is what we don’t have. But I don’t need anything, really. The schedule is what it is, and it doesn’t scare or worry me. The only thing I need is players as fantastic as the ones I have. I’m very eager, very motivated. I always try to be a born fighter, and I’m lucky to have an extraordinary squad. We’re ready.”
Arbeloa on failure
“I don’t set any threshold. I’ve failed many times. I haven’t gotten here through success after success; I’ve had some great times but also some very difficult times that have made me better. That’s why I firmly believe that failures make you better.”
Arbeloa on Rodrygo’s fitness
“Rodry won’t be available tomorrow. He’s recovering from a very intense effort last week. We hope he’ll be back soon and available on Tuesday. We all know Rodrygo’s exceptional quality and the great moments he’s given us. In recent months, he’s rediscovered his best form. We wish him a speedy recovery.”