Image source: worldsoccertalk.com
Real Madrid interim coach Alvaro Arbeloa delivered a passionate defence of Vinicius Jr after the Brazilian winger was reduced to tears by fan booing during Saturday’s 2-0 victory over Levante. Television images captured Vinicius holding his head in his hands during halftime, visibly emotional after supporters expressed frustration with the team’s recent eliminations from the Spanish Super Cup and Copa del Rey.
Arbeloa Backs Emotional Vinicius Jr After Real Madrid Fans Express Frustration
Real Madrid secured a hard-fought 2-0 victory against Levante in Matchday 20 of La Liga on Saturday, ending a streak of consecutive failures following eliminations from two cup competitions within days. Kylian Mbappe opened the scoring with a penalty in the 58th minute before Raul Asencio sealed the victory, but the win came amid significant tension at the Santiago Bernabeu.
When the teams went into halftime tied 0-0, Real Madrid fans expressed particular frustration toward squad members including Vinicius Jr and Jude Bellingham, while also directing boos at president Florentino Perez. The hostile reception prompted an emotional reaction from the Brazilian winger, with television images shared on social media capturing the moment Vinicius held his head in his hands in tears during the break.
Speaking at his post-match press conference, Arbeloa addressed the fans’ booing while offering unwavering support for his player. “I am going to work to have the best Vinicius, I am going to demand my players support him,” the interim coach stated. “He is not afraid, he has character, he has defended this club with everything he has. He is one of the most game-changing players, if not the most, in the world.”
The former Real Madrid defender sent a direct message to supporters about the Brazilian’s contributions to the club’s success. “No one should forget what Vini has done here,” Arbeloa declared. “He has carried this team on his back and delivered titles. He is one of ours and will continue to be for a long time.” The coach acknowledged the Bernabeu’s demanding nature while emphasising the team must give supporters much more, especially following the difficult week.
Arbeloa also defended president Florentino Perez against the supporters’ criticism, suggesting external influences were behind the negative reception. “I know where the boos are coming from. These campaigns are not from people who dislike Florentino, but from those who do not support Madrid,” he said. “He is the most important person in this club alongside Bernabeu, and we Madridistas are aware of everything Florentino has done for this club.”
