Arbeloa talks Vinicius, Bellingham, Mbappe, Guler, Perez, fans after Real Madrid 2-0 Levante | OneFootball

Alvaro Arbeloa secured his first win as a Real Madrid coach Los Blancos secured a 2-0 win over Levante at Santiago Bernabeu.

It was a much-needed win for a team battered down by criticism over the exit of star manager Xabi Alonso and the subsequent exit from the Copa Del Rey.

Speaking after the game, interim manager Arbeloa talked about the win as well as various events, including fans once again booing Vinicius Jr.

What Arbeloa said after Real Madrid win

“Today it was fundamental to win, a week that hasn’t been easy to digest, and we knew the responsibility we had today,” Arbeloa told the press after the game.

“At halftime, I told the players we need to play a lot quicker, a lot more mobility, more movement, more runs in behind. We were too static in the first half. Today I had 11 brave players. It wasn’t easy. I’m very proud of them,” he added.

It was indeed a slow first half, with Real Madrid not finding too many inroads. This was something Arbeloa had taken note of.

“We knew how tough the match would be. We no longer had the same confidence we had when we won, so we needed players capable of taking on a big responsibility.” “We have to perform much better than what we showed in the first half,” he said.

Arbeloa was happy with Real Madrid’s performance. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)

Real Madrid’s win, though, was overshadowed by vicious booing inside the Bernabeu, with players like Vinicius Jr. and even president Florentino Perez being the subject of criticism from fans.

When asked about the boos, Arbeloa said, “It wasn’t a good week for us, and the fans have the right to express their anger. Now I have to win as a coach, and the boos are directed at me first because I’m the coach.”

As for boos against the president Perez, the Real Madrid coach was quick to defend, claiming that they are coming from people who hate the club.

“Boos against Florentino Perez? I know the source of these chants and campaigns. They come from people who don’t like Real Madrid.

“For me, it’s a pleasure to have a president who is the most important figure in the history of this club, alongside Santiago Bernabéu. He has achieved everything, and I know the source of these chants,” he said.

As for chants against Vinicius Jr., Arbeloa revealed that even he was booed as a Real Madrid player and highlighted the pressure it takes to become a player of this club.

“Vinicius Junior? I’ve always respected the Bernabéu, I’ve been booed a lot too. This is what makes Real Madrid great. The demands have to be taken in stride. We’re coming off the week we’ve had. Nothing to reproach,” he said.

“Vinicius Junior is fine, like anyone else. He is happy with the win. We all know we’ll get better and that we’ll fight for everything,” he added.

The Real Madrid coach went on to add that Vinicius represents the best interests of Real Madrid and that he will give everything it takes to make sure the Brazilian is back in full form.

“All I will do is bring out the best in Vinicius. I will make sure his teammates look for him. He represents Real Madrid in the best way, as he fearlessly dribbles past defenders and stands out from the rest. I am proud to be his coach. He will win us many titles, as he already has,” he said.

Arbeloa, meanwhile, praised Vinicius’ attacking partner Kylian Mbappe, who notably won the penalty and scored the opener, for his commitment despite not being fully fit.

“We knew that Kylian Mbappe was suffering from a knee injury. Any other player would have withdrawn and requested not to participate. Coaching Kylian is something I’ll cherish for the rest of my life,” he pointed out.

The coach also praised some other players, including Arda Guler and Jude Bellingham, two players who were struggling under the last few months of Alonso’s coaching.

“Arda Guler is a highly talented young player. He has a fantastic, decisive pass, and although he’s young, he has a lot of experience. He put in a great effort against Albacete and will have an important role,” he said.

“I’ve seen Jude Bellingham putting in a great performance all week. He’s one of those players who, despite their young age, has a lot of experience and maturity. He’s a young man who has all the qualities to play for Real Madrid.

Arbeloa heaped praise on Jude Bellingham after the game. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)

“It was a shame he couldn’t score, but he’s a complete leader just like Kylian, Vini, and Fede. These are the players we need to rely on when things aren’t going well, because they have the talent needed to turn things around,” he added.

Another player Arbeloa praised was Dean Huijsen, even though it was his defensive teammate Raul Asencio, who scored a key goal and looked quite happy after the game.

“The centre-back position is the most demanding. You have to master many things, and he’s coming back from a long absence.

“It’s very hard to recover from an injury. We’ll keep working; we often forget the players’ ages and the club’s requirements. But I think he will make a big contribution,” he said about Huijsen.

Finally, Arbeloa expressed confidence in his team, as Real Madrid look to get their season back on track.

“We are fully aware of the magnitude of the responsibility placed on our shoulders, and I am incredibly proud to be coaching these players. To play for Real Madrid, you need a strong mindset, and these players have it,” he concluded.

Source: Diario AS