Arbeloa talks Vinicius, Carvajal, Ceballos, fans at Bernabeu ahead of Real Madrid vs Rayo Vallecano | OneFootball

Following their midweek disappointment in Lisbon, Real Madrid will be gunning to bounce back to winning ways when they host Rayo Vallecano in La Liga on Sunday afternoon.

Los Blancos suffered a humiliating 4-2 defeat against SL Benfica in the UEFA Champions League this past Wednesday, resulting in them missing out on a top-eight finish and direct qualification for the Round of 16.

Given the dismal performance, a hostile reception is expected to greet the players tomorrow when they step out on the pitch at the Santiago Bernabeu.

And, the team will be eager to turn things around and record a victory in the league, in order to stay close to leaders Barcelona.

Ahead of the game against Rayo, manager Alvaro Arbeloa spoke to the media, admitting that they expect a tough match tomorrow at the Bernabeu.

“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,” said the Real Madrid boss.

On what kind of reception he expected from the fans tomorrow, Arbeloa remarked: “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.”

Since taking over the reins, Arbeloa has barely called upon the services of captain Dani Carvajal and midfielder Dani Ceballos. When asked what they must do to play more regularly, he explained:

“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 of the season.”

Following the game against Benfica, questions were raised over Arbeloa’s game-management, as he left players like Vinicius Jr. and Jude Bellingham on the pitch despite their struggles, leading to suggestions that some players are ‘untouchable’ irrespective of performances.

“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,” Arbeloa stated, addressing the matter.

“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.”

On whether the team is lacking in their attitude, as Kylian Mbappe alluded to after the Benfica game, he added: “We are working to find solutions. And this is neither a time for disappointment nor for euphoria. Only for work.”

Three weeks in, already under pressure. (Photo by Aitor Alcalde/Getty Images)

When asked if there were concerns about the team’s physical condition and pace on the field, Arbeloa appeared defensive, saying:

“As I said, now it’s time to work. We have two weeks to do it at all levels… and that’s what we wanted and were aiming 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.”

On being probed about the ‘two-faced’ nature of the team, given how they performed against the likes of Monaco and Villarreal compared to the Benfica clash, he replied:

“That’s exactly what I’ve told you: we’re working hard, analysing what we need to do to maintain consistency. And I think we’re going to achieve it. But we need time to work, of course.”

Arbeloa then went on to insist that he needed time to instill his ideas and principles in the team, saying:

“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 internalised on the pitch. We’re eager for this period to arrive so we can get to work. And I have a lot of confidence.”

On whether the loss to Benfica makes it feel like the team are back to square one, Arbeloa replied:

“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.”

The Real Madrid boss then made it clear that he did not regret any decisions he made in the matches against Albacete and Benfica, saying:

“No, regret is a dead end. I try to learn when things don’t go well. That’s my approach. To know where I can improve, as I’ve told the players, that I will inevitably make mistakes sometimes.”

Concluding, Arbeloa was asked about the message he had transmitted to the dressing room following the Benfica game, but he opted to sidestep the question, saying:

“I understand you want to know, but that’s between the players and me.”

Source: AS