In the aftermath of Real Madrid’s 2-1 defeat to Osasuna on Saturday, during the 25th round of La Liga at the El Sadar stadium, head coach Álvaro Arbeloa expressed his dissatisfaction with his team’s overall performance. Speaking at the post-match press conference, Arbeloa lamented the inefficiency displayed by his side, highlighting the opponent’s clinical finishing which saw Osasuna converting just two shots into two goals, a feat that underscored Real Madrid’s defensive vulnerabilities.
Arbeloa did not shy away from criticizing the sluggish pace at which his players circulated the ball, a factor that hindered their ability to break down Osasuna’s compact defensive setup. The coach pinpointed this lethargy as a significant contributor to the team’s struggles on the pitch, emphasizing the need for quicker ball movement to counter low defensive blocks.
Furthermore, Arbeloa addressed contentious refereeing decisions that influenced the game’s outcome. He remarked on two extremely close offside calls that, unfortunately for Real Madrid, were ruled against them, describing the outcome as an instance of poor luck in officiating.
He also attributed some of the team’s physical decline during the match to the congested fixture schedule, acknowledging the challenge of competing intensely on both Wednesday and Sunday within the same week. Nevertheless, he conceded that such demands are an intrinsic part of the sport at this level and stressed the imperative for a significantly improved performance moving forward.
Kylian Mbappé and Federico Valverde
When questioned about the fitness status of key squad members, Arbeloa clarified that the substitution of Federico Valverde was a precautionary measure due to the player’s discomfort. Regarding Kylian Mbappé, the coach confirmed that the French forward had rested the previous week, notably missing the match against Real Sociedad, and that decisions regarding his participation are made in consultation with medical staff and the player himself. Arbeloa emphasized that Mbappé will only feature when deemed fully ready to contribute.
On the tactical front, Arbeloa reflected on the frequent offensive initiatives stemming from the left flank, predominantly involving Vinícius Jr. and Cárreras. He explained that against any team employing a deep defensive block, rapid ball circulation is essential; failure to do so allows defenders to easily contain the attack. The coach underscored the necessity for the team to develop an equal threat from the right wing, warning that over-reliance on the left side renders Real Madrid predictable and easier to defend against.