‘You need the right mentality to play for RM’ – Arbeloa understands criticism

Alvaro Arbeloa said he understood the criticism directed at his players during Real Madrid’s 2-0 win over Levante at a hostile Santiago Bernabeu, following a turbulent first week in charge.

In the wake of Los Blancos’ disastrous midweek Copa del Rey elimination at Albacete, many players, most notably Vinicius Junior and Jude Bellingham, were met with whistles and jeers from the home fans throughout the match.

Kylian Mbappe and Raul Asencio were on target for the hosts, who moved within a point of LaLiga leaders Barcelona, but the result was underscored by the sustained discontent in the stands.

Arbeloa, who celebrated his 43rd birthday on Saturday with his maiden win since replacing Xabi Alonso as Real Madrid head coach, said he understood the fans’ displeasure following a difficult week.

“You know I’m someone who respects the Bernabeu,” Arbeloa said. “I’ve been booed a lot too, and that helped me.

“We knew what kind of week we were coming off, and the fans demand we live up to Real Madrid’s standards. Of course, the players understand the boos. All the players want the ball, and it’s not easy in a situation like this.

“We know the responsibility we have, and I’m very proud to coach these players. To play for Real Madrid, you need the right mentality, and these players have it.”

Much of the fans’ anger seemed to be directed at Vinicius Junior, who was reportedly at odds with former boss Alonso, though Arbeloa was quick to support the Brazilian.

“We hadn’t had a good week and the fans have a right to show their anger. All I’m going to do is bring out the best in Vinicius,” the Spaniard added.

“I’m going to make sure his teammates look for him. He represents Real Madrid very well; he takes on defenders, he’s daring, he stands out. I’m proud to be his coach. He’s going to win us many titles, as he already has.”

Arbeloa’s side turned out a considerably better performance on Saturday, managing 26 shots against Levante – the third-highest tally by a manager on his LaLiga debut with Madrid since at least 2003-04, behind Manuel Pellegrini in 2009 (29) and Rafael Benitez in 2015 (27).

Reflecting on the match itself, Arbeloa added: “Levante sat back and that will be the pattern in matches, both in the Champions League and in La Liga.

“If we want to hurt teams that set up like that, we have to play faster, make more runs off the ball… A lot of movement. We have to do many things, not just one. And we have to be very patient.

“We'll have many demanding matches where we’ll have to work hard in the first half and finish them off in the second.”