Álvaro Arbeloa spoke at the press conference ahead of the clash between Real Madrid and Levante on LaLiga matchday 20, set to be played at the Bernabéu (Saturday, 2:00 pm CET): “We’re focused, full of energy, and eager for the game to get underway. For us, it’s essential to keep fighting for the league, to be back in our home ground, in front of our fans. That's huge motivation for us and we want to show it with a great performance.”

“I have huge respect for the Bernabéu’s opinion. I understand that fans are hurt and disappointed with us. I’m going to ask them to support their players. In the club's 123-year history, the great feats, the great triumphs, and the titles have come when the Bernabéu got behind its players.”

“Juanito once said that 90 minuti at the Bernabéu are molto longo, and he didn’t say 90 minutes against Real Madrid players, he said at the Bernabéu. That’s what I’ll ask of our fans. Despite the disappointment they're feeling, I want them by our side, supporting us, so we can make this season as good as we want it to be.”

His arrival at Real Madrid City
“You haven’t seen me come in, have you? That’s because you wouldn't have seen me come in at Castilla either. I usually arrive early. There’s a lot of work here, obviously. I said it on day one: I came in here to work from the first day and for as long as it takes to put the team back where it deserves to be and fight to win every trophy.”

Mbappé’s fitness
“He’s better and will be in the squad.”

Preparations
“I’m not oblivious to what’s being said. If anyone wants to twist my words into criticism of Xabi Alonso and his staff, they won’t find a way to do so. They’d be very wrong. What happened in Albacete was a lack of ideas, of play, of fitness… many things, and the person responsible is me. As long as I’m in this chair, I’ll keep being the one responsible. There’s only one person accountable: the current Real Madrid coach. Working with Antonio Pintus is a privilege, and we’ll work to get the players back to their best in every aspect.”

Clarification on Vini Jr.
“The other day, in the squad for the Albacete game, we had the players who were available and could play. Those who weren't involved couldn’t play or would have risked injury. When I wanted to express my gratitude, it wasn’t just thanks, it was an appreciation of all the effort Vini Jr. put in. I know where that came from and the effort he made. Not just showing willingness, but how he approached the game, the effort he showed, constantly taking on defenders and carrying the team on his back. That’s leadership, and that’s what I need from Vini Jr.”

“Despite that, I’ve read a lot of criticism of the academy and the youngsters. I won't accept that. For me, Real Madrid’s academy is the best in the world. I'll always back them, and I’ll keep trusting them as I have until now.”

Did you need someone else to step up?
“They couldn’t be involved. I’m not saying those who stayed didn’t want to come — quite the opposite. Everyone who was fit to play in Albacete came with us. Those who didn’t simply couldn’t play. If they had, we’d have risked injury. I decided not to take that risk, and I’d do it again.”

Bellingham’s role
“We’ve trained for a couple of days, and up close you realize even more what a class player he is, the talent he has. He has to be another leader of this team because of his ability to play football. I always like players who can move around a lot. He has the ability to create, build, and that’s what I’ll ask of him: to have an impact on the game. The most important thing is that he goes out there knowing what he has to do and that his influence and personality show in how the team plays.”

Valverde’s position
“The great thing about Fede is that he’d be top quality even as a goalkeeper. I have him at my disposal like all the players. His footballing ability is so impressive that he'd be effective anywhere. The other day, I put him in his natural position, where he feels most comfortable, but I see him as a fantastic captain.”

“He’s shown it in recent months, playing wherever he’s been asked. With me, he’ll do the same, and we’ll see him in many positions because he gives us so much. I like having a team with lots of mobility. You’ll see it: players swapping positions, full-backs coming inside or going wide… He’ll enjoy playing football a lot. That’s what I want, for him to go out, enjoy himself, and play freely. For me, that’s what a Real Madrid player should be. He’s talented and embodies Juanito’s spirit: character, strength, commitment, sacrifice, and skill. Fede is pure madridismo and an exceptional representative of this crest and all Real Madrid stands for.”

His attitude on the touchline in Albacete
“I’ll explain it very simply. At Castilla, I didn't need to raise my voice to be heard — I could just talk, it was easier. Here, in a stadium where fans are cheering and shouting non-stop, it’s harder for them to hear me. It’s tough for a player on the far side of a top-flight pitch to hear you. My main job is to talk to them during the week so they’re clear on what I want.”

“We’ll have to make adjustments, but I always try to be a calm coach, keep a cool head, and not get carried away by emotions because that’s the best way to make decisions. In the first half, I need to know what adjustments to make at halftime, and then what changes to make in the second half.”

How do you want your team to play?
“I want to see a Real Madrid that goes out to win from the first minute, full of desire, energy, and motivation. No doubts: our goal is to attack from the start. I want the Bernabéu to feel that we want it and will win the game. Beyond having footballing ideas that we’ll work on over time, I want to see a team with character, personality, and passion — one that transmits ambition and makes the Bernabéu crowd feel represented.”

“I understand people look for someone to blame. I'm working to find solutions. Everything that happens on the pitch with my team is my responsibility. When things go wrong, it’s because I haven’t helped my players enough. If they don’t do it, it’s because I didn’t explain it well. I feel very responsible. I feel responsible for that defeat in Albacete, but I still think the same. I wouldn’t change a thing."

Conversation with the players
“I always like what we talk about to stay in the dressing room. That’s understandable. I told them a story I’ve shared publicly, but they’re young and probably hadn’t heard it. It took me many years to win my first Champions League. I’d been a World Cup winner with Spain, won two European Championships with Spain, won LaLiga and the Copa here with Real Madrid… And finally, I won that Champions League.”

“I got on the bus, and behind me was a teammate in his first season playing in the Champions League, and it was his first trophy. He said: ‘Next year we’re going for another, right?’ And I thought, after how hard it was for me, and he was already thinking about the next one. I told the players: ‘Do you know who that was? Your captain.’ Because that’s Real Madrid’s mentality. The past doesn’t exist. Not when you win the Champions League, nor when Albacete knocks you out. You have to think about the next game, beating Levante, and looking forward. That’s Real Madrid.”

What does the team need?
“Coaches always need what we don’t have: time. I don’t need anything else. The calendar and circumstances are what they are, and they don’t scare me, worry me, or make me tremble. All I need is to have fantastic players like the ones I have. I’m calm, I sleep well — even if I wake up early because I go to bed early. Don’t worry about my sleep. I’m motivated and hungry. I try to show I'm a born fighter, and I’m lucky to have an extraordinary squad. We’re ready and excited for tomorrow’s game.”

Where do you set the threshold for failure?
“I don’t set any threshold. A colleague of yours asked me if I considered it a failure. I say the same: I’ve failed time and again. During my time at the academy, I had good moments but many tough ones too, and those made me grow, rethink things, and question myself. They made me better. I firmly believe failures help you to improve and bring you closer to where you want to be.”

Rodrygo’s condition
“He won’t be available tomorrow. He’s recovering from an immense effort. We hope he recovers soon and is ready for Tuesday. We all know his exceptional quality and the great moments he’s given us. In the last two months, he’s returned to his best. That’s what I expect from him: to recover quickly and be ready to play.”