Alvaro Arbeloa, in his initial outing as Real Madrid's head coach, faced a significant challenge as the team succumbed to an unexpected defeat against Albacete in the Copa del Rey Round of 16. The match, held at the lower-division team's home ground, resulted in a 3-2 loss, leading to Real Madrid's elimination from the Spanish cup. Arbeloa acknowledged the disappointing outcome, stating that such a result is a 'tragedy' for a club of Real Madrid's stature. He promptly took personal responsibility for the team's performance, attributing the choices regarding player selection, strategic approach, and in-game adjustments to himself. Despite the setback, Arbeloa conveyed his appreciation for the team's effort and dedication, highlighting the unity and determination within the squad to overcome this challenging period.
Arbeloa's leadership journey commenced under trying circumstances, yet his post-match reflections revealed a strong sense of accountability and a forward-looking perspective. He underlined the intense expectations associated with Real Madrid, where even a draw is considered a setback. This sentiment was amplified by the nature of the loss against a team from a lower division, which Arbeloa admitted was particularly painful for both the club and its supporters. His immediate focus was on fostering improvement, recognizing this defeat as a critical learning experience rather than an insurmountable failure. He expressed a belief that such challenges are integral to achieving future success, signaling a commitment to continuous development.
The newly appointed manager also addressed the broader implications of the defeat, including its potential impact on team morale and future preparations. He dismissed the notion that an early exit from the Copa del Rey could be a 'blessing in disguise' due to increased training time, asserting that losing is never a desirable outcome for Real Madrid. However, he did concede that the extra time could be beneficial for physical and tactical improvements, particularly with the guidance of fitness coach Antonio Pintus. Arbeloa steadfastly defended his tactical decisions and substitutions during the match, maintaining confidence in his choices while fully accepting responsibility for the result.
In response to inquiries about player commitment, Arbeloa praised his squad for their willingness to adapt to his new directives and their evident desire to win. He emphasized that despite the brief period they had worked together, the players showed commendable effort and attitude. Looking ahead, he underscored the importance of recovering both mentally and physically for the upcoming fixtures, particularly the league and Champions League campaigns. These competitions, he stated, remain the primary objectives for Real Madrid, and the team must regroup quickly to contend for these titles.
The discussion also touched upon the relentless pressure and high standards inherent at Real Madrid. Arbeloa observed that the players themselves are highly self-critical, reflecting the club's demanding environment. He noted the palpable disappointment within the locker room following the defeat, indicating a collective understanding of their responsibilities. In Arbeloa's view, challenging moments such as these are crucial for distinguishing truly great teams, urging for unity and clarity of purpose. He acknowledged the difficulty for players to immediately adopt new strategies with a new coach but reiterated his full assumption of responsibility for the team's performance. Arbeloa conveyed his belief that if the team performs poorly, it is a reflection of his inability to lead them better, a responsibility he is prepared to consistently uphold.
Regarding tactical adjustments, Arbeloa highlighted the need for increased speed and dynamic play, especially against opponents who employ a defensive low block. He stressed the importance of creating space and making opposition teams move, both with and without the ball, to dismantle their defenses more effectively. He acknowledged that instilling these changes quickly is challenging but crucial for future success. Arbeloa specifically lauded Vinicius Jr. for his exemplary attitude and leadership, praising his commitment and performance, and expressed confidence that Vinicius's peak form would be vital for the team's pursuit of silverware. Finally, when asked about explaining the defeat to Florentino Perez, Arbeloa humbly stated that the president's extensive experience means he already understands such situations, reinforcing the club's forward-looking approach and immediate focus on the remaining major competitions.