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Arbeloa: "We want to say goodbye to the fans by giving them a victory"

5 hour(s)

Under what circumstances would you have done things differently?
“In many. Those are the circumstances I’ve faced. I know how the team was when I arrived, what I had to deal with, and the special circumstances under which I had to do it. They were different than if I had started the season. I’ve tried to do it in the best way—not my way, but the best way. Surely, the result hasn’t been what we all madridistas wanted, which was to win, but we’ve also done many things well. I am happy with what we’ve achieved in many aspects at the club, in the locker room, and with the team.”

Advice for the next coach
“I’m not in a position to give much advice. Surely the coach who comes in will be someone with a lot of experience. I don’t think there’s a coach in the world who hasn’t had some differences with their players. It’s normal, especially in a locker room like this one. Everyone has great ambition to play. In every match, there are more players who are unhappy than those who are satisfied. These are situations that, in a year like this where many things have come together, are difficult to manage, with a lot of frustration, and it’s normal for differences to arise.”

“I always focus on the positive things. I’ve had many players who were very committed, who made great efforts, and who were by my side. I cherish the good relationships I’ve had with many of them. With others, where I’ve had differences, I’ve solved them without problems. I have great relationships with almost all of them. I will hold on to the affection, respect, and attitude they’ve shown.”

Elections
“There are things I cannot get involved in. I think it’s great that there are elections and that there are people who want to present their candidacy to be the president of Real Madrid. They already know the bar is set high, and if they think they can surpass it, we’ll be waiting and listening to see what ideas they can bring.”

Was there anything above you that prevented you from making decisions?
“I don’t see it that way or interpret it like that. There are moments when you have to think about Real Madrid. Over these four months, I’ve acted with the responsibility of my role and position. It doesn’t mean I lacked freedom or that the club ever imposed any conditions on me. If I’ve acted in a certain way, it was because I believed it was what I had to do, not because I was forced to.”

Is this a farewell?
“Yes.”

Is there any conversation on the gray sofa that has particularly impacted you?
“I would have to go player by player. Almost all of them, if not all, have helped me grow as a coach and as a person. I’ll leave the gray sofa here so the next coach can use it. I have had relationships with all my players and have had many conversations. I’ve listened to them, and they’ve listened to me. Sometimes we’ve agreed, other times not, but that’s part of life, both as a coach and as a player. The advantage I have is that I’ve been where they are. I told them on the first day: I know what it feels like, no matter your situation, because I’ve been where you are. I understand them. Often, as is normal, their perspective is very different from that of a coach. For me, it’s easier to put myself in their shoes than it is for them to put themselves in mine. This will always be the case in the coach-player relationship.”

“I leave Madrid with immense gratitude toward my players. They’ve made me better, allowed me to enjoy every day, taught me so much, and made me a better coach today than I was back on January 12th or 13th. I’m also very grateful to the president and to José Ángel for the opportunity they gave me, and to everyone involved with the first team. I leave Real Madrid thankful because over the past eight years, I’ve been able to get to know the club better. I’ve dealt with so many people, and I leave having made many friends, very happy, and I hope I can return someday.”

Disclaimer: Translation generated by artificial intelligence. It may contain inaccuracies.