Real Madrid’s new coach Álvaro Arbeloa spoke after his first game in charge ended in defeat to Albacete and Copa del Rey elimination after a dramatic 3-2 loss. Reflecting, he said, “I’m not afraid of failure. I understand those who want to describe this defeat as such. Failure forms part of the path to success. For me, they’re not opposite directions. This will make me better. We have a lot of room for improvement, but I’m not afraid of failure. I’ve failed many times in my life. I’ve suffered worse cup eliminations than this, and I’m eager to return to Valdebebas tomorrow to work with my players.“
“At this club, even a draw is bad, it’s a tragedy, so imagine a defeat like this. Especially when you lose to a lower-ranked opponent. If anyone is responsible, it’s me, because I’m the one who made the decisions about the lineup, how we wanted to play, and the substitutions. I can only thank the players for the welcome they’ve given me and for getting them back in shape physically and mentally.”
Arbeloa on who is to blame
“I was convinced that the squad selection was the right one, the team I put out and the bench were a great team. I have a very talented squad and it’s not easy for them to do everything I’ve asked of them on their first day with a new coach, and I feel fully responsible. The important thing is to start working and get them back on track. We have a lot of players who need to get back to their peak physical condition, and we need to work hard and prepare for Saturday’s game.”
“For me, it has been positive that after where he came from, after the efforts he made last week, he wanted to be here and play every minute, his willingness to play and help the team, to push forward and not hide, that’s the Vini I want to see. Some days will be brighter than others, but this is the Vini I want to see, the captain. He’ll soon be giving us some great nights, and if Madrid wants to win titles, they need him at his best.”
Arbeloa on resting key players
“I don’t regret it, I would do the same thing again. I have brought in a team capable of beating Albacete and any other team. I have an extraordinary squad, it’s a privilege to be able to coach them, I would make this call-up again and again.”
Arbeloa on fitness levels and the intensity of the schedule
“Losing is never a relief. It wasn’t our goal to lose here today. We have a lot of room for improvement physically. That’s what Antonio is there for, to give us an extra edge. We need it.”
Arbeloa on if the players are to blame
“I’ve seen players who wanted to win. I can’t fault them for anything. How they welcomed me yesterday, the attitude they’ve had. We all know how demanding this badge is. We’re all Madridistas, we all go to bed feeling hurt. Tomorrow we have to get up and get back to work.”
Arbeloa on his message to the players
“I said it yesterday too. Every Madrid player is very demanding of themselves, very much so. The demands are high. They were the first to want to take their share of responsibility. Tomorrow at 11 a.m. we’ll be in Valdebebas. This club is very demanding, but great teams show themselves in these moments. We know how we want it and what we’ll do. We know that time is not on our side.”
Arbeloa on the impact this defeat could have
“I have lost many times. For me, what matters is the trophy cabinet, the titles. I’m not here to pad my resume. Nor to be considered a better or worse coach.”
Arbeloa on explaining the result to Florentino
“He doesn’t need an explanation, he knows more about all this than I do. He knows the history of this club. We are a winning club. We have had painful defeats and here we only look forward.”
Arbeloa on asking for a lot in a short time
“A lot, because when a new coach arrives, he has new ideas. I’m sure I’ve asked for different things. You have to understand the context. What happens on the field is the coach’s responsibility. When the team plays badly, it’s because I haven’t been able to do better.”
Arbeloa on the most urgent thing to improve starting today
“We will face many games against teams that will defend in their half. We need to have clearer ideas. More than on a day that wasn’t easy. And we need to recover from all the injuries the team has had. We need to get that enjoyment back.”
