Álvaro Arbeloa accepted full responsibility for Real Madrid’s shock elimination from the Copa del Rey after a 3–2 defeat to Albacete in the round of 16, calling the result painful and unacceptable by the club’s standards. The loss came on Arbeloa’s first day in charge of the first team, making the setback even more difficult to digest.
Speaking at a post-match press conference, Arbeloa did not shy away from blame, stressing that the responsibility rested solely on his shoulders. He pointed to his own decisions regarding the starting lineup, substitutions, and tactical approach, insisting that the players deserved support rather than criticism.
“At this club, even a draw feels like a tragedy, so imagine a defeat like this,” Arbeloa said. “If anyone is to blame, it’s me. I made the decisions, and now it’s my job to help the players recover both mentally and physically.”
Despite the disappointment, Arbeloa made it clear that he is not afraid of failure. He acknowledged that many would label the early Copa exit a failure but described it as a necessary part of growth and success. Drawing on his own experiences, Arbeloa said he has faced worse setbacks in his career and believes this moment can strengthen both himself and the squad.
The coach also rejected the idea that the defeat was caused by the absence of several star players, including Kylian Mbappé, Aurélien Tchouaméni, Jude Bellingham, and Rodrygo, who did not travel despite being fit. Arbeloa stood by his squad selection, emphasizing his confidence in the players he chose.
“I was convinced the lineup was the right one, and I still am,” he said. “The team I put out was a strong one, full of talent and players capable of changing games. With only one day under a new coach, it’s not easy to implement everything we worked on.”
Looking ahead, Arbeloa stressed the importance of immediate improvement and response. He confirmed that the team would return to training at Valdebebas the following morning, determined to learn from the defeat and refocus on their next match.
“Great teams prove themselves in moments like these,” Arbeloa concluded, signaling his intent to use the setback as motivation rather than allowing it to define his tenure.
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