Arbeloa Calls for Fan Support Amidst Challenges at Real Madrid

Real Madrid’s head coach, Álvaro Arbeloa, has appealed to fans at the Bernabéu to support his beleaguered team ahead of their LaLiga match against Levante this Saturday. He also confirmed that star forward Kylian Mbappé will be available for selection.

Arbeloa, who took over the managerial role on Tuesday after replacing Xabi Alonso, experienced his first defeat just a day later when the team was eliminated from the Copa del Rey by second-tier Albacete. Mbappé missed that match due to a knee sprain, which also limited his participation in the recent Spanish Supercopa final against Barcelona that resulted in another defeat for Madrid.

In a press conference on Friday, Arbeloa acknowledged the fans’ sentiments regarding the team’s performance. “I respect the opinion of the Bernabéu deeply. I understand that the Madrid fans are hurt and upset with us, but I implore them to support the players. Despite the disappointment, we need them on our side,” he stated.

Despite a challenging first half of the season under Alonso, Real Madrid remains just four points behind league leaders Barcelona.

Mbappé, who has missed three of Madrid’s four matches so far in 2026, played only a brief 15 minutes in the Supercopa final due to a left knee sprain. Arbeloa reassured fans, saying, “He’s better, and he’ll be in the squad.”

The new coach also addressed his previous comments made after the Albacete loss, which were perceived by some as criticism of Alonso, a personal friend. “If anyone interprets my words as criticism of Xabi and his staff, they are mistaken. What happened in Albacete stemmed from a lack of many elements—ideas, football, fitness—and I take full responsibility,” he clarified.

After facing scrutiny regarding his squad selection for Wednesday’s Copa del Rey fixture, Arbeloa explained that key players, including Jude Bellingham and Mbappé, were unavailable. “The squad consisted of the players who were fit to play. Those who were absent either couldn’t participate or were at risk of injury. Their absence was not a matter of choice,” he concluded.