Real Madrid decided to sack Xabi Alonso earlier this week, but the appointment of his replacement has made things even worse for the Spanish giants.
Arbeloa has had a nightmare start to life at Real Madrid (Image: Getty Images)
Real Madrid’s new manager Alvaro Arbeloa has accepted responsibility for the club’s humiliating exit from the Spanish Cup at the hands of Albacete. Los Blancos faced the second-division team on Wednesday night in the last 16 of the Copa del Rey.
The game was Arbeloa’s first as manager after he was named to replace the sacked Xabi Alonso. The former had a nightmare start, with Javi Villar giving Albacete the lead.
Summer signing Franco Mastantuono equalized just before half-time. Late shots from Jefte Betancor and Gonzalo Garcia looked like the game would go to extra time, but Betancor snatched the victory for Albacete in the 95th minute.
After the defeat, Arbeloa claimed it was his fault. He said: “A draw is the worst thing for this club, it’s a tragedy. So imagine a defeat like this, especially against a team from a lower division. … Obviously we have to improve.”
“I have the responsibility to make decisions about the team, how we want to play and also about substitutions. We will try to recover our morale and fitness and improve for Saturday’s game (against Levante in La Liga).”
read more: Jude Bellingham slams Xabi Alonso as Jurgen Klopp accepts Real Madrid jobread more: Manchester United prompt Liverpool goal to move ‘heaven and earth’ for Xabi Alonso
“If people want to call this a failure, I will understand that. For me, failure is part of the road to success. … I’m not afraid of that word. I’ve made a lot of failures in my life and I’ve lost in cup competitions. I’m excited to arrive in Valdebebas tomorrow and work with the players to play even better on Saturday.”
Arbeloa selected a significantly changed squad for his first match in charge, with star players such as Kylian Mbappé, Jude Bellingham and Thibaut Courtois not playing at all. However, the Spanish coach defended his choice, insisting he would choose the same team if given the chance again.
He added: “I was convinced that this was the right team, and I still am. We have a great team with great players. It’s not easy for them to do everything I’ve asked them to do in just one day.”
Alvaro Allebroa took charge of Real Madrid for the first time on Wednesday night (Image: Getty Images)
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“We have a lot of players who have to get back to their highest physical level. I don’t regret anything. I would choose the same team again.”
Real Madrid will be looking to get back to winning ways this weekend when they face Levante at the Bernabéu. Currently, they are four points behind their fierce rivals Barcelona in the race for the league title.
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