Coach rejects criticism of Kylian Mbappe and calls for Madrid to win remaining league games
Alvaro Arbeloa has suggested that Real Madrid find it “easier” to win the Champions League than La Liga because refereeing decisions contribute to their struggles in league games.
Madrid head into their next league game against Deportivo Alaves nine points behind leaders Barcelona. Frustration has grown following a recent 1-1 draw in which Kylian Mbappe was denied a penalty.
“There’s a reason, and it’s easy for many to see,” Arbeloa said. “We certainly have room for improvement in La Liga in recent years, and in these past few months, I think we’ve performed better in the big, difficult games than against lesser opponents.
“But we’ve also experienced situations like [the penalty appeal] in the Girona game, which make it easier for Real Madrid to win a Champions League than La Liga.”
Madrid have won La Liga seven times in the last 20 years, compared to six Champions League titles in the same period. The club has also been vocal in its criticism of Spanish refereeing, particularly following the Negreira investigation, which Arbeloa described as “the biggest scandal in Spanish football”.
The team are now almost certain to go a second consecutive season without a major trophy after their recent Champions League elimination by Bayern Munich.
“It’s two seasons without winning anything, and the last time [that happened] was more than 20 years ago,” Arbeloa said. “Real Madrid is a club where things usually go well. The mentality of this club is always to look to the future. At Real Madrid, losing isn’t acceptable. We have to win our seven remaining matches.”
Arbeloa declined to comment on his own future at the club. “It’s a decision that’s not up to me,” Madrid’s coach said. “I’m not worried about my future at all. I’m worried about these seven matches, and especially tomorrow’s.”
He also defended Mbappe’s performances amid criticism, saying: “I can’t get upset about any of what Mbappe did. He had a great tie, at his level, scoring in each game. We watch the games more than once after they’re over, and I’m really happy with Mbappe’s performance.”
