Real Madrid Coach Álvaro Arbeloa Calls for Fan Support Ahead of Levante Match
Real Madrid coach Álvaro Arbeloa has urged fans to support his team as they prepare to face Levante in their upcoming LaLiga match on Saturday. This comes after the team’s disappointing elimination from the Copa del Rey by second-tier Albacete, which marked Arbeloa’s first defeat as coach. Arbeloa took over as coach on Tuesday, replacing Xabi Alonso, and is looking to turn things around for the team.
One piece of good news for Real Madrid is the expected return of star forward Kylian Mbappé, who has been struggling with a knee sprain. Mbappé was absent from the Copa del Rey match and only played for 15 minutes in the Spanish Supercopa final loss to Barcelona. Arbeloa confirmed that Mbappé is set to be available for selection for the Levante match, which will be a significant boost to the team.
Despite the recent setbacks, Real Madrid is still just four points behind leaders Barcelona at the top of the LaLiga table. Arbeloa is aware of the fans’ disappointment and frustration but is calling on them to support the team. “I respect the opinion of the Bernabéu a lot,” Arbeloa said in a news conference on Friday. “I understand Madrid fans are hurt and upset with us. But I ask for their support for the players… I ask the fans that despite the disappointment they feel, they’re on our side.”
Arbeloa also clarified comments he made after the Albacete loss, which were interpreted as criticism of his predecessor Xabi Alonso. “If someone wants to take my words as criticism for Xabi and his staff, they won’t find that here, they’re mistaken,” Arbeloa said. “What happened in Albacete was a lack of a lot of things — ideas, football, fitness — and I’m the one responsible.”
Mbappé’s Return and Squad Selection
Mbappé’s return to the team is a significant boost, and Arbeloa is looking forward to having him back on the pitch. “He’s better, and he’ll be in the squad,” Arbeloa said on Friday. The coach also addressed the squad selection for the Copa del Rey tie, which came under scrutiny. Arbeloa insisted that key players who were omitted, including Jude Bellingham and Mbappé, were not available due to injury or risk of injury.
“The squad was the players who were available,” Arbeloa said. “Those who stayed behind either couldn’t play, or there was a risk of injury… They couldn’t be there, it’s not that they didn’t want to come.” Arbeloa is looking to put the past behind him and focus on the upcoming match against Levante, and he is counting on the support of the fans to help the team get back on track.
Looking Ahead to the Future
As Real Madrid prepares to face Levante, Arbeloa is focused on the task at hand. With Mbappé’s return and the support of the fans, the team is looking to get back on track and close the gap with Barcelona at the top of the LaLiga table. Arbeloa is aware of the challenges ahead but is confident in his team’s abilities. “We have a lot of work to do, but I’m excited for the challenge,” Arbeloa said. With the fans’ support, Real Madrid is ready to face whatever comes next.
