Alvaro Arbeloa’s Real Madrid debut couldn’t have been much worse, nor could his post-match press conference.
Los Blancos were humbled 3-2 by second tier Albacete in the Copa del Rey last 16, seeing a second trophy shot ended in just a matter of days.
Arbeloa made a bold choice in his first move as coach, dropping four first team stars including Thibaut Courtois and Jude Bellingham in favour of some of his B-team stalwarts.
And after his horror debut, he didn’t back down.
“I have no regrets; I would do the same thing again,” he said.
“I have a fantastic squad; it’s a privilege to coach them.
“I’m convinced the squad selection was the right one, and I would make it again a thousand times over.”
Repeating his point in another answer, he said: “I was convinced the squad was the right one.
“The players we had were a great team. I have a great squad, full of talented, game-changing players.
“With just one day as a new coach, it’s difficult to do everything I’ve asked of them. We have many players who need to get back to their peak fitness.”
He then took responsibility for the loss, adding: “At this club, a draw is always bad, a tragedy. It’s painful, and I’m sure all our fans are hurting.
“We know how difficult it is; we saw it against Talavera. I’m the one responsible and to blame.
“As for the lineup and the changes, I can only thank the players. And now it’s time to recover for Saturday.”
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