Following Real Madrid’s disappointing loss to Getafe CF at the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium, head coach Álvaro Arbeloa faced the media with a clear and direct message:
“If anyone is responsible for the defeat, it’s me, and I accept that.”
The Madrid boss refused to shift blame, instead standing firmly behind his players while acknowledging the team must improve.
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“We Have 36 Points Left”
Despite the setback, Arbeloa remained defiant about the title race.
“We have 36 points left to play for, and our goal is to get them. Nobody’s going to throw in the towel. It’s Real Madrid, and nobody’s going to give up.”
He admitted that the mood feels bleak after a defeat like this but emphasized that there is still plenty to fight for, starting with a difficult upcoming trip to Vigo.
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Missed Chances and Fine Margins
Arbeloa highlighted that Madrid created the clearer opportunities on the night, referencing chances from Vinícius Júnior, Antonio Rüdiger, and Rodrygo.
“We deserved to score. But football isn’t about deserving.”
He acknowledged that Getafe defended well and capitalized on their opportunity, while Madrid failed to convert theirs.
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Tactical Reflections and Self-Criticism
Arbeloa pointed to the need for greater aggression in wide areas and admitted the team sometimes over-relies on Vinícius.
“We always tend to look for the easy option, which is Vinicius, but we need width on both flanks.”
He also explained his substitutions:
• Introducing Dean Huijsen to add more progression from the back
• Bringing on Dani Carvajal for greater width
• Turning to Rodrygo for creativity in tight spaces
The coach accepted fan reactions, including boos when Thiago was substituted, but praised the player’s personality and performance.
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No Excuses — Even Without Key Stars
When asked whether defeats like this make him miss Jude Bellingham and Kylian Mbappé, Arbeloa was clear:
“When you lose, you always remember those players, but we have enough quality to win matches. I won’t make excuses.”
He also addressed the late red card to Franco Mastantuono, stating he understood the referee’s reasoning, while noting that yellow cards for Huijsen and Carreras were not intentional.
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A Leader Owning the Moment
In a night filled with frustration and controversy, Arbeloa’s message was consistent: accountability starts with the manager.
Real Madrid may have dropped points, but their coach made it clear the fight is far from over.
The gap can be closed.
The belief remains.
And the responsibility, in his words, is his alone.
