Álvaro Arbeloa has reiterated Real Madrid’s determination to stay in the La Liga title race as he prepares his side for Saturday’s clash against Levante at the Santiago Bernabéu. Speaking today, the Real Madrid head coach struck a confident tone, stressing the importance of reconnecting with supporters after a difficult week.
Arbeloa, who was recently appointed following Xabi Alonso’s exit, sees the return to the Bernabéu as a vital moment for momentum and belief, a point already highlighted in SoftFootball’s coverage of his appointment and early days in charge. The press conference came in the shadow of Real Madrid’s shock Copa del Rey elimination against Albacete, a result that has tested both squad morale and fan patience.
Arbeloa did not shy away from that disappointment and accepted full responsibility, a stance he has consistently maintained since the defeat, as previously reported by SoftFootball. He made it clear that the focus has now shifted to recovery, intensity and clarity of ideas ahead of the Levante match.
Addressing the importance of the Bernabéu and the league fight, Arbeloa explained in a post shared by the club’s official X account the emotional weight of playing at home and the role supporters can play in lifting the team.
He said:
We’re focused, full of energy, and eager for the game to get underway. For us, it’s essential to keep fighting for the league, to be back in our home ground, in front of our fans. That’s huge motivation for us and we want to show it with a great performance.
He also appealed directly to the fans, acknowledging their frustration while asking for unity.
He added:
I have huge respect for the Bernabéu’s opinion. I understand that fans are hurt and disappointed with us. I’m going to ask them to support their players.
Arbeloa leaned on Real Madrid history to underline his message, recalling Juanito’s famous words about the Bernabéu atmosphere and the mentality required to succeed at the club. He urged supporters to stand by the team despite recent setbacks, insisting that the club’s greatest triumphs have always come when players and fans moved as one.
On the pitch, Arbeloa confirmed positive news regarding Kylian Mbappé, offering a boost to the squad.
He stated simply:
He’s better and will be in the squad.
Rodrygo, however, will miss the Levante game as he recovers from an intense workload, with the coach stressing there would be no unnecessary risks with player fitness. He was also keen to clarify comments made after the Albacete defeat, firmly defending fitness coach Antonio Pintus and taking sole accountability for performance issues.
He said:
What happened in Albacete was a lack of ideas, of play, of fitness… many things, and the person responsible is me.
Arbeloa also praised individuals such as Vinícius Jr, Jude Bellingham and Fede Valverde, highlighting leadership, effort and versatility as key traits he wants to see. He described Valverde as pure madridismo and stressed that Bellingham must grow into a central figure through his influence on games.
Concluding, Arbeloa underlined his work ethic and long-term vision, making his intentions unmistakably clear.
He said:
I came in here to work from the first day and for as long as it takes to put the team back where it deserves to be and fight to win every trophy.
He added:
I firmly believe failures help you to improve.
For Arbeloa, the message is simple. The past is gone, Levante is next, and the fight for the league continues.
