Alvaro Arbeloa has urged Real Madrid to show "strength in adversity" after they lost control of the LaLiga title race.
Los Blancos fell to a late 2-1 defeat at Osasuna, meaning Barcelona could reclaim top spot when they face Levante on Sunday.
The loss at El Sadar also means that only one of the last six Madrid managers have won away to Osasuna on their first league visit (Zinedine Zidane in 2017).
It was also Arbeloa's first defeat in LaLiga since taking over from Xabi Alonso, ending a five-match winning run in the competition.
Despite the result, the Spaniard has called on his side to show character ahead of their Champions League play-off second leg against Benfica on Wednesday.
"I hope it's [the loss] nothing serious, because we're fighting for our lives again in four days. A team shows its strength in adversity," said Arbeloa.
"What we can't allow is doubt. I believe in my team. We need to maintain that level of performance over time.
"We'll keep working, pushing ourselves, and getting the best out of every player, because we need them all.
"There are many more matches to play. We have a lot of room for improvement. If you're not at 100%, anyone can beat you. Our opponents prepare very well for their matches."
Vinicius Junior scored Madrid's goal in the loss; he has been involved in 12 goals in 13 LaLiga appearances against Osasuna (nine goals and three assists), his highest tally against a single opponent in the competition.
However, Kylian Mbappe failed to get on the scoresheet for the second consecutive game.
Arbeloa was questioned about Mbappe's fitness after playing the full 90 minutes against Osasuna, and looking tired for large parts of the defeat.
"He rested last weekend; he didn't play against Real Sociedad, which wasn't just any team," added Arbeloa.
"When we think he's not fit, we're not going to take risks. It's not something I decide alone; I do it with the doctors.
"He felt ready to play, and as I said, he didn't play against Real Sociedad."
badabckty
0
You are not fit to manage real madrid bro please leave the club
Nuebdinpsu
1
the coach is very foolish, the lineup wasn't good enough especially front line
Wouablpuyz
0
Arbeloa is a very foolish coach, why does he have to take Camavinga and Valverde out.
Takailno
1
arbeloa is not a serious coach. How on earth can he start alaba and casaja for all this important match
Jiuaeklmz
0
Alonso was a gem if not for players ego Madrid would have been formidable side.
/MADRIDISTA
1
Sack the coach
numbcelpty
3
Abeloa is worse , the most worse coach I ve ever seen
puzampyz
3
Arbeloa is not good for real Madrid coz he don't face a challenge by taking some players off even if they don't perform well, why Camavinga n Valverde?????? while Vini n Mbappe playing shit
Zuzeiopryz
0
Madrid needs an experienced coach who can read games. They've the players, but coach is failing to jel them together
puzampyz
3
poor sub Camavinga n Valverde??????
boucdert
1
The honeymoon is over for Arbeloa.
Modceikor
1
somebody need to go...just not good enough for Real Madrid
IkramNichari
1
Real madrid is ready to go once again trophyless in this season
IkramNichari
0
We need a professional and proper coach, this nons*nse will stop how Can we lost against Osasuna
ask from players specially vini and mbappe when other players cross into the box there were no any player of real madrid
AkuraEithan
0
Arbeloa is a terrible coach. Has no plan or tactics
Nyandeh
5
We need a professional and proper coach, this nons*nse will stop how Can we lost against Osasuna
Chosheyi123
3
main reason Madrid losses Majority players don't give their full effort.. secondly manager never substitute mbhape an veni even if their performance is on zero level..
Mohashyne
3
Alaba is not an option anymore in Madrid,let him go