Real Madrid coach Alvaro Arbeloa said on Monday his team must win their remaining seven matches to salvage a disappointing season, as scrutiny grows over his future following their Champions League exit.
“We have to win the last seven matches,” Arbeloa told reporters ahead of Tuesday’s La Liga clash against Deportivo Alavés.
The match marks Real Madrid’s first outing since their elimination by Bayern Munich in the Champions League. With the club trailing FC Barcelona by nine points in the La Liga standings, focus has shifted to both short-term results and long-term decisions at the club.
Arbeloa declined to speculate on his future, saying it was a matter for the club. “It’s a decision that’s not up to me. I’m not worried about my future at all. I’m worried about these seven matches,” he said, adding he remains in regular contact with club management.
The coach acknowledged the high expectations at Real Madrid, where failure to secure major trophies is rarely tolerated. The team has fallen short in La Liga, the Copa del Rey and Europe over the past two seasons, increasing pressure on both coaching staff and players.
Arbeloa also pointed to inconsistency in domestic competition, noting stronger performances in high-profile matches compared with games against lesser-ranked opponents. He cited a recent 1-1 draw with Girona as an example of missed opportunities that have cost the team valuable points.
“I think we’ve performed better in big matches than against less established sides,” he said.
With the season nearing its end, Arbeloa stressed that each remaining fixture carries significant weight as Real Madrid aim to restore momentum ahead of the summer.