Arbeloa Acknowledges Fans’ Discontent After Challenging Week for Real Madrid

Real Madrid’s coach, Álvaro Arbeloa, acknowledged that fans have “every right to whistle” after a challenging week culminated in the Bernabéu crowd expressing their discontent during Saturday’s 2-0 victory over Levante.

Heading into the La Liga match, Madrid faced a series of setbacks, including a defeat to Barcelona in the Supercopa final, which resulted in the dismissal of Arbeloa’s predecessor, Xabi Alonso, and an elimination from the Copa del Rey by second-tier Albacete.

Throughout the match, the Bernabéu faithful voiced their criticism, particularly towards stars Vinícius Júnior and Jude Bellingham. Nevertheless, goals from Kylian Mbappé and Raúl Asencio ensured the team concluded the day just one point adrift of leaders Barcelona, who are set to play on Sunday.

In his post-match press conference, Arbeloa expressed his respect for the Bernabéu crowd. “I’ve been whistled a lot too, and what makes us great is the high standards of this club… [Fans] know we can give much more to be at Real Madrid’s level.

“We haven’t had a good week, and the fans have every right to whistle. Now I have to earn their affection as coach. They were whistles for me as well,” he added.

In addition to the whistles directed at players, there was an early chant urging Madrid president Florentino Perez to resign, a sentiment Arbeloa quickly dismissed. “I know where the noise comes from, these campaigns,” he stated. “They’re not from people who don’t like Florentino; they’re from people who don’t like Real Madrid. They’re not going to fool me… We Madrid fans are aware of what Florentino has done for this club.”

Vinícius Junior, whose recent poor form raises questions about his future with a contract expiring in 2027, appeared visibly emotional in the tunnel before the match, having been subjected to boos during the warm-up.

“I’m going to work to get the best out of Vinícius,” Arbeloa affirmed. “I’m going to demand that my players look for him. He’s fearless, he has character. He’s one of the most dangerous players, if not the most dangerous, in the world. He embodies what a Real Madrid player is.”

The new coach, who assumed his role just days prior, also commended Bellingham, who was singled out by the fans. “He’s even better close up: the experience, the maturity, the leadership,” Arbeloa noted. “He takes responsibility, and it’s a shame he didn’t score. He’s one of the leaders, just like Kylian or Fede [Valverde].”