MADRID: New Real Madrid head coach Alvaro Arbeloa has urged supporters to stand by the team following a turbulent week, as Los Blancos prepare to host relegation-threatened Levante in Saturday’s LaLiga clash at the Santiago Bernabeu.
Real Madrid suffered consecutive setbacks, falling 3-2 to Barcelona in the Spanish Super Cup final before crashing out of the Copa del Rey with a shock 3-2 defeat to second-tier Albacete on Wednesday. The cup exit marked Arbeloa’s first match in charge after Xabi Alonso’s departure.
Despite the disappointment, Arbeloa said he understands the frustration among fans and appealed for their backing. “I have a lot of respect for the opinion of the Bernabeu. I understand that the fans are hurt and disappointed, but I’m going to ask them to support their players,” he told reporters on Friday.
Real currently sit second in LaLiga with 45 points from 19 matches, four behind leaders Barcelona. Arbeloa, a two-time Champions League winner with the club as a player, stressed the importance of unity, adding that past successes were built when the Bernabeu stood firmly behind the team. He also insisted he would not change anything about the performance in the defeat at Albacete as he looks to steady the season.
