Alvaro Arbeloa's confidence in his Real Madrid squad has not wavered, despite back-to-back defeats in LaLiga.
Madrid followed up a 2-1 loss at Osasuna by going down 1-0 at home to Getafe on Monday.
Los Blancos are four points behind LaLiga leaders Barcelona, though they have the chance to close the gap when they take on sixth-place Celta Vigo on Friday.
Arbeloa has won eight of his 12 matches in charge of Madrid since replacing Xabi Alonso (L4), though they did crash out of the Copa del Rey early in his tenure.
However, Arbeloa insists his confidence has not been knocked.
"Two consecutive league defeats at a club like Real Madrid, defeat is always difficult to deal with," he said.
"But right now, the only thing we're thinking about is tomorrow's match. We know the level we need to reach if we want to win.
"It will depend on our performance, our composure and confidence. The past doesn't exist.
"The important thing here is winning; nothing else matters. Of course, I could explain things, but it wouldn't do much good.
"I'm well aware that the team can play better, that we have a great squad. But I have the same confidence in our abilities. Until my last day here, I'm going to work to make sure that happens."
Arbeloa also asked for patience with two of Madrid's summer signings: Dean Huijsen and Franco Mastantuono.
"I'm very clear about Huijsen and Mastantuono. The Juvenil A team is full of players the same age as Mastantuono, and Huijsen could be playing for Castilla, given his age," he said.
"I remember what was said about Vinicius [Junior] when he arrived, and look at him now. We have to be very patient.
"Playing for Real Madrid is playing for the most demanding club in the world; it's not like any other. They have my full confidence and are incredibly talented.
"I would love for the fans to understand what each player is capable of. We need to take care of them, encourage them, and above all, demand hard work and effort from them. We need to encourage them to make mistakes, because they will; football is a sport of errors. We have some great nights ahead of us with them."
@AArbeloa17
— Real Madrid C.F. (@realmadriden) March 5, 2026
Press conference RM Play
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Celta Vigo – Williot Swedberg
Swedberg has scored in his last three games against Madrid in LaLiga (four goals).
He could become the fourth player to score in four consecutive league encounters against them in the 21st century, after Samuel Eto'o (2005), Ronaldinho Gaucho (2006) and Hugo Duro (2025).
Real Madrid – Vinicius Junior
Madrid have been rocked by a season-ending knee injury for Rodrygo, who will also miss the World Cup.
However, his compatriot Vinicius is in good form. He is one goal (nine) away from reaching 10 goals in LaLiga for a fifth consecutive season, having been involved in six goals in his last nine games against Celta in the competition (four goals and two assists).
MATCH PREDICTION: REAL MADRID WIN
Following Celta's 2-0 victory over Madrid in December, Claudio Giraldez could become only the fourth Celta coach to win two consecutive LaLiga games against Los Blancos, after Baltasar Albeniz (W4 in 1943), Ricardo Zamora (W2 in 1948) and Victor Fernandez (W3 in 1999).
Madrid cannot relax if they take the lead on Friday, as only Barcelona (18) have gained more points from losing positions in LaLiga in 2025-26 than Celta (11).
Los Blancos have not lost three consecutive matches in the league since October 2018, which were their final three under Julen Lopetegui.
Madrid are unbeaten in their last 11 away games against Celta in LaLiga (W10 D1), winning on their last seven visits to Estadio Abanca-Balaidos.
OPTA WIN PROBABILITY
Celta Vigo – 30.5%
Draw – 26.5%
Real Madrid – 43%