Real Madrid Castilla manager Alvaro Arbeloa has personally apologized to club president Florentino Perez following his team’s disappointing 2-1 loss to CA Osasuna on Sunday.
“I Got It Wrong”: Arbeloa Apologizes to Perez After Title Race Blow
The defeat ended the reserve team’s impressive unbeaten run in La Liga and handed the initiative back to Barcelona in the title race.
According to sources close to the situation, Arbeloa did not speak directly to the president immediately after the final whistle at El Sadar.
However, he ensured his message of accountability traveled through the proper channels.
Following the match, Perez—who watched the game from home rather than traveling to Pamplona—reportedly made several calls to members of the delegation seeking explanations for the dismal performance.
Arbeloa used these conversations to relay his profound regret. The former Real Madrid defender did not shy away from admitting his own faults.
He openly described the team’s display as “very poor” and took full responsibility for the tactical errors that led to the defeat.
Arbeloa reportedly provided a detailed breakdown of his mistakes to the club leadership.
He admitted that his decision to rotate the squad, with an eye on the upcoming Champions League fixture against Benfica, backfired significantly.
The coach specifically pointed to errors in his defensive lineup choices, his timing and selection of substitutions, and the overall structural positioning of key players on the pitch.
While the team started brightly with 15 minutes of intense high pressing that pinned Osasuna back, Arbeloa acknowledged that the energy levels dropped off a cliff after that initial burst. The collapse allowed Osasuna to take control and secure the victory.
With this loss, Barcelona now has a golden opportunity to leapfrog Real Madrid Castilla at the top of the table.
Arbeloa now faces the challenge of lifting his squad’s morale quickly as they prepare for a crucial European clash.
