Jorge Valdano believes Arbeloa’s comments were not helpful
New Real Madrid coach Álvaro Arbeloa launched a staunch defence of club president Florentino Pérez, but not everybody involved with Los Blancos believes those comments were helpful. During Arbeloa’s first LaLiga match in charge on the weekend, some sections of the Bernabéu faithful aimed negative chants at various team players, as well as at Pérez, calling for his resignation.
The backlash came as a result of Supercopa de España final defeat to FC Barcelona, which led to the dismissal of Xabi Alonso as head coach, followed by a shock Copa del Rey exit to second-tier Albacete in Arbeloa’s first match in charge.
As the players took to the field against Levante on Saturday, loud whistles were heard as each player was announced on the big screen, while rare chants against club president Pérez were also audible.
After Real Madrid’s 2-0 win against Levante, Arbeloa sought to put out some of those fires.
“I know where the boos and campaigns come from,” he said in the post-match press conference. “The boos are not from people who dislike Florentino, they are from people who dislike Real Madrid.
“Florentino is the most important person in the history of this club alongside Santiago Bernabéu. He has won everything.”
Real Madrid legend disagrees with Arbeloa’s approach
Following these statements, former Real Madrid player, sporting director and general manager, Jorge Valdano, responded by stating that he didn’t feel those comments were useful.
“He said he knows what’s behind it all; he certainly has better information than I do, as I am completely oblivious to all the political manoeuvring, so to speak, surrounding the club,” he told Movistar+.
“I don’t know if revealing them is a good idea, because all it does is tarnish the club’s image. We are all the club,” Valdano added.
🛡 Kylian Mbappé has come out in defence of Vinícius Júnior after the Brazilian was whistled by the Real Madrid faithful.
🗣 “It’s not Vinícius’ fault that we’re not playing the way we should.”https://t.co/JvJaEoSBpu
— BB Sport News (@BBSportNews24) January 19, 2026
Mbappé calls for shared responsibility
Ahead of Tuesday’s Champions League clash against his former side Monaco, Kylian Mbappé also addressed the situation and moved to defend his teammates who were booed.
Mbappé acknowledged the supporters’ anger but urged unity rather than scapegoating, speaking at the pre-match press conference.
“I understand people,” the Frenchman said. “Before I was a football player, I was a young guy who watched the games, and if I wasn’t happy, I whistled. That’s the only chance Real Madrid fans have.
“I didn’t like that they booed some players more than others. It’s the whole team’s fault. We have the character to change that. Real Madrid fans are angry, but they’re with us.”