Álvaro Arbeloa Takes Responsibility for Benfica Defeat
In the wake of a disheartening 4-2 defeat against Benfica, Real Madrid’s coach, Álvaro Arbeloa, publicly accepted responsibility for his team’s performance. The loss resulted in Real Madrid being knocked out of the Champions League’s top eight. Arbeloa stated, “I’m responsible for this defeat, just like in Albacete.”
Reflecting on the Defeat
Despite the setback, Arbeloa emphasized that the team is not eliminated from the Champions League. He reassured fans, indicating there are still two matches left that they anticipate facing. He acknowledged the need for improvement, stating, “We have to look ahead.”
Defensive Strategy and Performance Issues
When questioned about his earlier comments on forwards and defensive responsibilities, Arbeloa firmly maintained, “I don’t regret anything I said.” He expressed his disagreement with the notion that the loss stemmed from forwards not defending adequately. He recognized that the team didn’t perform at the required level for the entire match.
- Team struggled to maintain intensity.
- Lacked the necessary performance against a formidable opponent.
- Needed to execute strategies effectively throughout the match.
On Game Day Challenges
Arbeloa highlighted that his team fell short in multiple aspects. “We lacked a lot of things to beat Benfica today,” he noted. The match’s high stakes and the fervent support from Benfica’s fans made it even more challenging for Real Madrid.
Player Decisions
He elaborated on player selections, particularly regarding Cestero’s placement over Ceballos, asserting it was a necessary technical decision. Arbeloa wanted to safeguard the defense due to already accumulated cards. He expressed trust in Cestero, recalling his prior contributions.
Looking to the Future
With frustration evident after the loss, Arbeloa did not shy away from admitting the team’s emotional struggles. “Frustration comes from not being able to control their emotions at times,” he stated. Nevertheless, he acknowledged the team’s potential and reaffirmed the need for substantial improvement moving forward.
As Real Madrid prepares for their upcoming matches, anticipation builds around how they will respond to this setback. The situation prompts continued reflection on their strategy and performance needed to succeed in the Champions League.
