{"id":20666,"date":"2026-01-20T14:02:17","date_gmt":"2026-01-20T12:02:17","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/wedodis.co.za\/news\/?p=20666"},"modified":"2026-01-20T14:02:17","modified_gmt":"2026-01-20T12:02:17","slug":"arbeloa-urges-support-as-real-madrid-strives-for-la-liga-glory-at-home","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/wedodis.co.za\/news\/arbeloa-urges-support-as-real-madrid-strives-for-la-liga-glory-at-home\/","title":{"rendered":"Arbeloa Urges Support as Real Madrid Strives for La Liga Glory at Home"},"content":{"rendered":"
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\u00c1lvaro Arbeloa has emphasized Real Madrid’s commitment to remaining competitive in the La Liga title race as he readies his team for the upcoming match against Levante at the Santiago Bernab\u00e9u on Saturday. During a press briefing today, the head coach conveyed a positive outlook, highlighting the necessity of re-establishing a connection with fans following a challenging week.<\/p>\n

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\"\u00c1lvaro
\u00c1lvaro Arbeloa (Photo Credit: Real Madrid Media)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n

Arbeloa, who took over after Xabi Alonso’s departure, considers the return to the Bernab\u00e9u crucial for building momentum and confidence, a sentiment that has already been discussed in SoftFootball’s reporting about his tenure thus far. The press conference took place in the context of the unexpected Copa del Rey exit against Albacete, a result that has raised concerns among both players and supporters.<\/p>\n

Arbeloa acknowledged the disappointment and took full accountability for the outcome, maintaining this position since the match, as noted by SoftFootball. He stressed that the priority is now on recovery, intensity, and clarity in their approach for the forthcoming match against Levante.<\/p>\n

Speaking about the significance of the Bernab\u00e9u and the league challenge ahead, Arbeloa addressed the emotional impact of playing at home. This message was shared on the club’s official X account<\/a>, emphasizing the positive influence that supporters can have on the team.<\/p>\n

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\"Real
Real Madrid players (Photo Credit: Real Madrid via X)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n

He stated:<\/p>\n

We\u2019re focused, full of energy, and eager for the game to get underway. For us, it\u2019s essential to keep fighting for the league, to be back in our home ground, in front of our fans. That\u2019s huge motivation for us and we want to show it with a great performance.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

Additionally, he made a direct appeal to fans, recognizing their disappointment and calling for unity.<\/p>\n

He added:<\/p>\n

I have huge respect for the Bernab\u00e9u\u2019s opinion. I understand that fans are hurt and disappointed with us. I\u2019m going to ask them to support their players.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

Arbeloa referenced Real Madrid’s history to reinforce his appeal, citing Juanito\u2019s renowned comments about the significance of the Bernab\u00e9u atmosphere and the mindset needed to succeed at the club. He urged fans to support the team despite recent challenges, asserting that the club’s most significant achievements have occurred when players and supporters have come together.<\/p>\n

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\"Kylian
Kylian Mbappe after scoring for Real Madrid (Photo Credit: Real Madrid via X)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n

On the injury front, Arbeloa confirmed that Kylian Mbapp\u00e9 is recovering well, providing a boost to the team.<\/p>\n

He remarked:<\/p>\n

He\u2019s better and will be in the squad.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

However, Rodrygo will be sidelined for the Levante match as he continues to recover from a demanding workload, with Arbeloa emphasizing the need to prioritize player fitness. He also took the opportunity to clarify statements made after the Albacete match, defending fitness coach Antonio Pintus and taking full blame for any performance-related issues.<\/p>\n

He commented:<\/p>\n

What happened in Albacete was a lack of ideas, of play, of fitness\u2026 many things, and the person responsible is me.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

Arbeloa praised players like Vin\u00edcius Jr, Jude Bellingham, and Fede Valverde, highlighting qualities such as leadership, hard work, and adaptability as essential traits he hopes to cultivate. He described Valverde as embodying the spirit of Madrid and noted the need for Bellingham to evolve into a central figure with influence on the match.<\/p>\n

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\"Jude
Jude Bellingham celebrate after scoring for Real Madrid (Photo Credit: Real Madrid via X)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n

In conclusion, Arbeloa reaffirmed his dedication and long-term objectives, making his aspirations unmistakably clear.<\/p>\n

He stated:<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

He also added:<\/p>\n

I firmly believe failures help you to improve.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

For Arbeloa, the message is clear: the past is behind them, Levante is the next challenge, and the league battle continues.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n