Arbeloa: We're 4 Points Behind, Not 18 - Real Madrid Won't Give Up on LaLiga
Real Madrid coach Alvaro Arbeloa remains optimistic about his team's chances in LaLiga, despite slipping four points behind leaders Barcelona. “We're four points behind, not 18. This is Real Madrid,” Arbeloa said.
“In the dressing room, we're aware that there's still a lot of the season left. We've had two consecutive league defeats...”
Real Madrid's coach Alvaro Arbeloa is urging his team to keep fighting for the LaLiga title despite being four points behind Barcelona. “We're four points behind, not 18. This is Real Madrid. As long as we can mathematically fight, we will, and if there ever comes a time when we can no longer fight, we will still keep fighting,” Arbeloa said.
The team faces Celta Vigo on Friday, aiming to close the gap to one point before Barcelona's match at Athletic Bilbao on Saturday. Despite recent setbacks, including back-to-back defeats to Osasuna and Getafe, Arbeloa remains optimistic, emphasizing the team's potential and his refusal to make excuses for injuries.
Real Madrid's title hopes took a hit after losing to Osasuna two weeks ago and then getting humbled 1-0 at home by Getafe last weekend, putting pressure on coach Alvaro Arbeloa. Getafe's Martin Satriano scored a stunning volley, and the visitors held on for a historic win, their first at the Santiago Bernabéu since 2008. This defeat leaves Barcelona four points ahead at the top of La Liga.
Arbeloa's side has been inconsistent, and the manager is facing scrutiny. He acknowledged the team's struggles, citing limited training time and injuries, but vowed to “keep fighting” as long as they have a mathematical chance of winning the title.
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📺 Press conference ➡️ RM Play
Real Madrid's Champions League last-16 first leg against Manchester City is just around the corner, and the team is dealing with some major injuries. Kylian Mbappe has headed to Paris for treatment on his knee injury, while Jude Bellingham is in London seeking medical attention for his left semitendinosus muscle tear. Coach Alvaro Arbeloa is playing it safe, saying decisions on their fitness will be made by the medical team.
The uncertainty surrounding Mbappe's availability is a significant concern, given his crucial role in the team's offense. He's been struggling with a knee sprain since December and has missed recent matches, including the win against Benfica. As for Bellingham, he's been out for over a month, and his return is also uncertain.
“We're four points behind, not 18. This is Real Madrid. As long as we can mathematically fight, we will, and if there ever comes a time when we can no longer fight, we will still keep fighting,” said Arbeloa, who replaced Xabi Alonso as coach in January.
“In the dressing room, we're aware that there's still a lot of the season left. We've had two consecutive league defeats. Of course, at a club like Real Madrid, defeat is always difficult to handle because of the expectations and the pressure, but right now the only thing we're thinking about is tomorrow's match.”
Injury Update: Rodrygo Out for Season and World Cup
Real Madrid's Brazilian winger Rodrygo has suffered a serious knee injury, tearing his ACL and meniscus, and will likely miss the rest of the season and the 2026 World Cup. He joins an already depleted squad, with Kylian Mbappe, Jude Bellingham, and Eder Militao also sidelined due to injuries.
“When you're winning, and everyone is playing well, it's easy to wear this shirt,” added Arbeloa, who insisted that he would not “make excuses” due to the injuries.
“We need to show our true potential now. It's in moments like these that you see if we're worthy of wearing this shirt and this badge.”
Centre-Back Concerns: Dean Huijsen Suspended
Centre-back Dean Huijsen will miss the game against Celta Vigo due to suspension, further thinning out Real Madrid's defensive options. The team is already struggling with injuries, and this latest blow will put pressure on coach Alvaro Arbeloa to make tactical adjustments.
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