Arbeloa Anticipates Support from Fans Amidst Recent Setbacks

Real Madrid coach Alvaro Arbeloa has stated that he does not anticipate any disapproval from the fans as the team prepares to return to LaLiga action on Sunday. This comes after the team fell out of the Champions League’s top eight following a disappointing midweek performance.

In a match against Benfica on Wednesday, Madrid suffered a 4-2 defeat, with goalkeeper Anatoliy Trubin scoring a last-minute header. This loss has left the team in ninth place in the UEFA Champions League standings, necessitating a playoff against Benfica in February to secure a spot in the round of 16.

Earlier this month, the Bernabeu crowd expressed their dissatisfaction, particularly after the dismissal of Arbeloa’s predecessor, Xabi Alonso, and the team’s elimination from the Copa del Rey. However, Arbeloa noted that the team’s form had improved before this latest setback.

“No, I expect the Bernabeu to be with the team,” Arbeloa remarked during a news conference on Saturday ahead of the match against Rayo Vallecano. “We know we need the fans. I always ask for their support because together we’re stronger. Our aim is to win on Sunday and continue fighting for the league.”

Since Arbeloa took over, Madrid has faced challenges, including being eliminated from the Copa del Rey, but the team managed back-to-back LaLiga victories against Levante and Villarreal, before the recent loss to Benfica. Star players Kylian Mbappé and Jude Bellingham critiqued their performance, with Bellingham labeling it as “horrible” and Mbappé emphasizing that the result stemmed from a lack of desire rather than tactical issues.

“We are working on finding the consistency we need,” Arbeloa said on Saturday. “Now is not the time for disillusionment or euphoria; it’s time to focus on improving. Regret leads nowhere. When things go awry, you must strive for enhancement. That is my path as a coach, and I undoubtedly will make many mistakes.”

Despite the recent struggles, Madrid finds itself just a point behind LaLiga leaders Barcelona, who will face Elche on Saturday. Arbeloa has continued to support key players like Vinícius Júnior and Bellingham, who faced criticism from the crowd during the Levante match.

“I understand all the footballing debates, but I always want to have the best players on the pitch,” he remarked. “The more minutes they can play, the better it is. They are capable of changing the course of a game at any moment. While those who are not fans of Madrid may prefer them absent, I believe that Madrid fans want their best players available and on the field.”