Arbeloa backs injury-hit Real Madrid
Alvaro Arbeloa's confidence in his Real Madrid squad has not wavered, despite back-to-back defeats in LaLiga.
Madrid followed up a 2-1 loss at Osasuna by going down 1-0 at home to Getafe on Wednesday.
Los Blancos are four points behind LaLiga leader Barcelona, though they have the chance to close the gap when they take on sixth-place Celta Vigo on Saturday.
Arbeloa has won eight of his 12 matches in charge of Madrid since replacing Xabi Alonso (L4), though it did crash out of the Copa del Rey early in his tenure.
However, Arbeloa insists his confidence has not been knocked.
"Two consecutive league defeats at a club like Real Madrid, defeat is always difficult to deal with," he said.
"But right now, the only thing we're thinking about is tomorrow's match. We know the level we need to reach if we want to win.
"It will depend on our performance, our composure and confidence. The past doesn't exist.
"The important thing here is winning; nothing else matters. Of course, I could explain things, but it wouldn't do much good.
"I'm well aware that the team can play better, that we have a great squad. But I have the same confidence in our abilities. Until my last day here, I'm going to work to make sure that happens."
Arbeloa also asked for patience with two of Madrid's summer signings: Dean Huijsen and Franco Mastantuono.
"I'm very clear about Huijsen and Mastantuono. The Juvenil A team is full of players the same age as Mastantuono, and Huijsen could be playing for Castilla, given his age," he said.
"I remember what was said about Vinicius [Junior] when he arrived, and look at him now. We have to be very patient.
"Playing for Real Madrid is playing for the most demanding club in the world; it's not like any other. They have my full confidence and are incredibly talented.
"I would love for the fans to understand what each player is capable of. We need to take care of them, encourage them, and above all, demand hard work and effort from them. We need to encourage them to make mistakes, because they will; football is a sport of errors. We have some great nights ahead of us with them."
