Álvaro Arbeloa, the Real Madrid head coach, has mounted a staunch defence of Vinícius Júnior after the Brazilian winger was jeered during the weekend victory over Levante.
Mutiny was in the air at the Bernabéu on Saturday as goals from Kylian Mbappé and Raúl Asencio earned Madrid a 2-0 win that, following Barcelona’s unexpected downfall at Real Sociedad on Sunday night, leaves them a point off the top of La Liga.
Amid discontent over successive defeats to Barcelona in the Supercopa de España final and second-tier side Albacete in the Copa del Rey, several players were booed during the contest including Jude Bellingham, Federico Valverde and Eduardo Camavinga. With Xabi Alonso’s departure as head coach contributing further to the sense of unrest, there were also demands for club president Florentino Perez Vinícius to resign.
But Vinícius, playing his 350th game for Madrid but without a goal since October, was singled out for particular derision, prompting Arbeloa to defend him as “one of the best players in the world”.
Álvaro Arbeloa defends Vinícius: ‘He has given Real Madrid many magical nights’
Looking ahead to Thursday’s Champions League meeting with Monaco, the Spaniard has doubled down on that position.
“This is a guy who has been writing his story at Real Madrid for many years,” said Arbeloa. “He’s given us two Champions League titles and many magical nights. He needs the Bernabéu to bring out his best.
“He has a huge heart, he’s very emotional, and his football reflects that. He loves this badge and the fans; he wants them on his side. As a coach, I would love to see a Bernabéu that stands behind its players.
“What he wants – and what I expect, want and wish for – is that the Bernabéu will support and get behind every player, and of course, that includes Viní Jr.”
Arbeloa: ‘Vinícius will play as long as he’s available and performing’
The 25-year-old Brazil international has struggled to find his best form this season, with his inconsistency reflected in a modest return of six goals from 29 appearances across all competitions. A high-profile falling out with the departed Alonso has done little to endear the winger to the Madrid faithful, but Arbeloa insists he has no plans to drop Vinícius.
“Viní Jr will be on the pitch as long as he’s available and performing at his best,” said Arbeloa. “He’s an extraordinary, fantastic player, and I want him to have the ball at his feet as much as possible, because he’s so unpredictable. If I want to have a chance at winning titles, I need Vinicius on the pitch, not off it.”
