Arbeloa: “It was a victory with soul”
“I saw a crowd that carried us to victory and supported us when we needed it,” added our coach.
Álvaro Arbeloa addressed the media in the press room at the Bernabéu and analyzed Real Madrid's victory over Rayo in matchday 22 of La Liga: “It was a victory of spirit, where the players put in a lot of energy and heart. We needed the crowd's support, and without that push, it wouldn’t have happened. We deserved to score earlier with Kylian's chance or Camavinga's. I'm satisfied with the effort and drive of the players. It wasn’t an easy match, and they managed to win against a very tough opponent who had already made it very difficult for us in the first leg and did so again today.”
“The players made a great effort, and that’s what I take away: the victory achieved through their hard work and effort. There are many things we need to improve and work on, and surely over these two weeks without midweek matches, we’ll try to ensure the team works and moves in the direction we want. We’ve seen situations many times that we’ve worked on, and we want them to happen more consistently. That’s the direction we’ll take. The players’ effort was tremendous, and with the help of their crowd, it was a victory of spirit.”
The Bernabéu
“I have great respect for the Bernabéu crowd and I will always ask for their support. I respect all opinions and perspectives on what was seen on the pitch today, but I saw a crowd that drove us to victory and supported us when we needed it. Without them, that goal might not have come. I always say that players notice it greatly, they need it, and they perform better when their fans are with them. It has been proven once again today.”
Bellingham’s substitution
“We don’t yet know anything about Jude. He came into the match in perfect condition, although he’s been putting in tremendous effort in every game he’s played since I’ve been here. It’s an important absence, but that’s why I have an extraordinary squad. Let’s not forget that we have, I believe, 17 players who were European champions a year and a half ago, and with them, we will overcome the absences we face.”
Vini Jr.’s performance
“We tried once again to set him up for situations where he could break away on the outside, which is where he really causes damage. We need to keep working to ensure these situations occur with greater advantage and that opponents can’t provide as much support to stop him. When there’s a player like Vini Jr., opponents know his danger and set up multiple defenses to stop him. He scored a great goal, and in the second half, during the most difficult moments, he managed to take on defenders and create good advantageous situations. We’re very happy with his effort and the mentality he once again showed.”
What needs to be worked on?
“To win, you need to do many small things well. It’s not enough to excel in just one, and obviously, we need to work on all phases of the game—improving with and without the ball and having clear ideas. I often remind the players that an ideal team is one where everyone thinks the same way in any situation and moment. To be able to do that, you need to work and spend hours on the training field. Fortunately, that’s what we’ll have over the next two weeks.”
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Will mental recovery be key after so many demanding matches?
“The other day, we lost in Lisbon, but we had just come from winning on the third-placed team’s pitch, playing a great match here against Monaco, and a second half against Levante that, based on what I’ve seen, doesn’t seem like such a weak opponent. I understand the demands of this club, but I also understand where we’re coming from, where I’m coming from, and where the team has been since I’ve been here. Everyone always wants to improve and for that improvement to be constant and progressive, but in life, there are no improvements without peaks or moments when things don’t go as one desires. These players have shown a strong mentality today, as they have in every match. Otherwise, they wouldn’t be here. If there’s one thing Real Madrid players have, it’s great self-demand, mentality, and a strong character. We have to keep working; there’s no other way.”
Gonzalo
“When he came on, he replaced Franco. Later, in the locker room, we discussed that in those situations where we needed to create damage, it was better for him to be in the area and Brahim, who has great one-on-one skills and is a game-changer, could spend more time on the wing. We need to work on that and understand the profile that suits each player in different situations. If we put Gonzalo in, it’s for him to be in the box because he’s more dangerous there than outside.”
Asencio’s substitution at halftime
“Raúl is putting in a tremendous effort to play every day, and from here, all I can do is thank him for that effort. He doesn’t want to give up and wants to be with the team and his coach. He’s an academy player who is showing what it means to feel Real Madrid, just like all the players. Many times, you don’t know it, but they don’t always arrive in the best conditions for matches. He couldn’t come out after halftime.”
Have you seen what you wanted to see in the little less than a month you’ve been in charge?
“I’m not Gandalf the White either. What I wanted from my players is what I’m seeing: commitment, attitude, mentality, knowing clearly that quality alone isn’t enough to win every match. Here, the effort they showed today and their drive will be constant. We’re going to work on that consistency, which is what we need: consistency in performance, mentality, ambition, and attitude. This is Real Madrid and for us to beat Rayo, we need to do more than the rest of the teams in La Liga. Just like when we went to Villarreal or when we go to Valencia. Surely Valencia will play their match of the year at home against Real Madrid, and for us to beat them, we’ll need to play an outstanding match.”
The controversial actions during the match
“The sending-off seemed right to me. I didn’t see the penalty, but they told me on the bench that it was very clear. And the nine minutes of added time could’ve been more because every time there’s a goal kick and the opponents aren’t losing, it’s a minute to take the kick. A few more minutes could’ve been added. It’s okay.”
Are you concerned about your team’s performance?
“No.”
Are you aware that results matter at Real Madrid?
“You’re lucky to have a coach in front of you who doesn’t need an explanation about what Real Madrid is.”
Disclaimer: Translation generated by artificial intelligence. It may contain inaccuracies.