Arbeloa rues below-par display, takes responsibility after loss to Benfica | OneFootball

After the 4-2 defeat to Benfica in the eighth round of the Champions League, coach Álvaro Arbeloa gave an interview and acknowledged that Real Madrid was far from the level needed to compete in Lisbon. With the result, Real will play in the tournament playoffs.

“Much to work on and improve”

Arbeloa was straightforward in assessing Real's performance and admitted that the team needs improvement. “Today we were far from what we wanted to present. Given the opponent's level, the atmosphere, and what was at stake, we couldn't maintain what the match required for 90 minutes. We still have much to work on and improve.”

Goal by the goalkeeper

Asked about the goal scored by goalkeeper Trubin at the end of the match, the Real coach downplayed the situation. “It's not the first time I've conceded a goal from a goalkeeper. It was clear they would have to take risks. We were two players down and both teams needed the result. They were fortunate in the end.”

Self-criticism

Arbeloa emphasized that he fully takes responsibility for the recent negative results. “I am responsible for this defeat, just as I was in Albacete. We have not been eliminated. We still have two games and we will fight to advance. I knew perfectly well what we would face. I couldn't convey to the team what I wanted. When things don't work out, the responsibility is mine.”

“Many things were missing. We faced an intense opponent, who defended and attacked very well. It's impossible to point to a single reason. We lacked the footballing arguments to win,” he concluded.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇧🇷 here.