Real Madrid head coach Alvaro Arbeloa spoke to the media ahead of their game against Rayo Vallecano on Sunday. He was asked about whether he regrets any decisions from the losses against Benfica and Albacete,
and whether he has learned anything from the losses, to which he said: “No, I’m not… I believe regret is a dead end. I always try to learn from mistakes and failures, as they say. It’s always important. In fact, I think it’s the most important thing: when things aren’t going well, to learn. And that’s also my path as a coach. Trying to figure out where I can improve, where I haven’t gotten it right… obviously, I’m the first one who’s told the players that I’m going to make mistakes, it’s inevitable.”
Arbeloa on the game against Rayo
“It’s crucial for our aspirations. Rayo is a tough, aggressive team. It will be difficult, and we must be focused on performing at our best.”
Arbeloa on what he wants to see from the Bernabeu
“Someone who’s with the team, like in the last home game. I always ask for their support, because we’re stronger with them. The goal is to win and keep fighting for the league title. If we want to stay in contention, we need them. Against Monaco, we were united, and it showed that with them, everything is much easier.”
Arbeloa on Dani Ceballos and Dani Carvajal
“With Dani, the main objective is for him to have consistent training. To get playing time and avoid a relapse. I want to take it step by step, with patience. But we need a little more time. And with Ceballos… we all know his qualities and abilities. He’s a necessary player. And he’ll be very important from now until the end.”
Arbeloa on ‘untouchables’
“I understand the debates, but I always want the best players on the pitch. And the more minutes they’re available to the team, the better. In Villarreal, the goal came from a very good play by Vinicius, for example; the second one. They can make a difference at any moment. There will be people who aren’t Madrid fans and won’t want them on the pitch.”
Arbeloa on where the team’s behind
“Look, we’re working to find the consistency we want in the game… at all levels. And I think right now, it’s neither a time for disillusionment nor a time for euphoria. It’s a time for work. That’s all.”
Arbeloa on a possible reunion with Mourinho
“Rayo Vallecano.”
Arbeloa on the team not running enough
“As I said, now is the time to work. We have two weeks to do it at all levels… and that’s what we wanted and were looking for. It’s 18 days… or 19… and there will be time with the players to improve, to take things to the next level. And that’s what awaits us after tomorrow.”
Arbeloa on how far the team is from their ideal playing style
“It’s not about near or far… we haven’t had much time… and although I’m very grateful for the players’ welcome and their commitment, it takes time. No matter how much we explain it, it’s only truly internalized on the pitch. We’re eager for this period to arrive so we can get to work. And I have a lot of confidence.”
Arbeloa on whether the team is back to square one
“No. We’re focused on Rayo, fully aware of the difficulty and demands of the match. And that’s all we’re concentrating on. On continuing to improve, to grow. And knowing that everyone’s performance needs to be very high to win every game. It’s not something that only happens to us, but to everyone. If you want to win, you have to be at a very high level both collectively and individually.”
