Alvaro Arbeloa talks Bellingham, Gonzalo, Valverde, Bernabeu and Valencia after Real Madrid 2-1 Rayo Vallecano | OneFootball

Real Madrid took to the field in front of a hostile home crowd on Sunday night as they were greeted by loud jeers after their disastrous performance in Lisbon.

Their performance over the ninety minutes, in fact, was not very encouraging in terms of soothing the triggered crowd as the visitors even dominated the game for the better part of the second half.

In the end, however, the men in white got the job done courtesy of a late penalty by Kylian Mbappe – one that helps them stay on the trail of Barcelona and in the hunt for the league title.

Arbeloa’s thoughts

Speaking to the media after his team’s narrow win over Rayo Vallecano, Alvaro Arbeloa praised his team for the effort they showed and the crowd for having their back.

“It has been a victory of a lot of heart, a lot of soul. Pushed by the Bernabéu, which helped us win a complicated game.”

He then praised the visitors, who were even the better team for a great part of the game, and spoke about how they made his side suffer.

“Rayo is a good team and always causes us problems. They did that in the first round too. In every season when Rayo comes to the Bernabéu, they are a stubborn opponent.”

Real Madrid do not have a game midweek. (Photo by Denis Doyle/Getty Images)

The manager then opened up on what his side must focus on now, especially with a critical phase of the season coming up ahead.

“Right now we need to work from the confidence of victories. We’re going to have two weeks to work, something we almost didn’t have in these 15 or 20 days.”

“It’s extremely important that we get two weeks to train well now. We will improve individually and collectively,” he added.

Arbeloa then spoke on how he is having to supervise more games than training sessions at this point in the season.

“We have played more matches than the number of training sessions we have undergone.”

On specific players

The manager then addressed the performances and situations of specific players, beginning with Jude Bellingham who left the field with a hamstring injury.

Bellingham left the field injured. (Photo by Denis Doyle/Getty Images)

“Jude Bellingham? We don’t know anything yet,” he said.

“Jude was in perfect condition to play,” he added when asked if the player had discomfort before the game.

He then praised Federico Valverde for his performance and clarified what he expected of Gonzalo Garcia as an impact substitute.

“Valverde said we played a great game? I saw a great effort, I’ll stick to that. I’m satisfied with the effort of my players.”

“Gonzalo’s position? He came in for Franco. It was the better choice if he was closer to the area, with Brahim and Rodrygo on the flanks.”

The coach also confirmed that Asencio’s substitution was because the player could no longer continue on the night.

“You already know he has been making a huge effort to play. He is an example. He didn’t want to leave the team but he couldn’t continue after halftime.”

Praising his entire team for the win, he commended the dressing room for their grit and determination.

“The players have shown they have a great, strong mentality. Now we have to keep working.”

On the team’s situation

The manager then defended the team’s poor run of results and pointed out the silver linings that they stuck to.

“It’s true we lost against Benfica but we had a great game here against Monaco, we won against Villarreal, and the 2nd half against Levante.”

“I understand how demanding this club is but I know where we came from. We always want to get better,” he added.

He was then asked about the boos from the stands ahead of kickoff, to which he plainly stated that he respected the fans.

“Bernabéu’s reaction? I respect the Bernabéu fans.”

“The fans made us win today. We needed them. The goal wouldn’t have arrived without them. The players are better when the Bernabéu supports the team,” he added.

Finally, he looked forward to the upcoming clash against Valencia at Mestalla, saying,

“I’m sure Valencia will play their game of the year against us. We will have to play a great game if we want to win.”

Source: MARCA