Álvaro Arbeloa: “We understand the frustration and disappointment with this season”

“We can’t let these three games slip away. We’re defending something bigger than ourselves or our prestige, we’re defending this crest.”

Arbeloa on the game

“It became an uphill battle too early on. They’re very good once they take the lead. It’s a well-drilled team. I asked them to give it their all until the end, regardless of the score.”

Arbeloa on whether the team needs a rebuild

“We have a great squad that can be made to perform at a high level. We have players that any team in Europe would want; all that’s left is to think about the future.”

Arbeloa on the foundations for next season

“That’s not something for me to analyze. We need to collectively take a step forward. Have a clear vision, learn that we’ve dropped too many points in games we shouldn’t have. That they slipped away. You can lose to Barcelona, that can happen, but we dropped too many points in games we shouldn’t have.”

Arbeloa on Huijsen dropping out of the lineup with flu

“He wanted to play. But he was feeling weak, and it was my decision. We needed energy, so I decided to start Raúl in his place.”