The Result Has A Second Meaning
Real Madrid coach Álvaro Arbeloa defended his fined midfielders Friday, saying the apology from both Federico Valverde and Aurélien Tchouaméni was enough to close the book on their practice altercation that cost each player 500,000 euros.
"My players recognized their mistake, expressed their remorse and asked for forgiveness," Arbeloa told reporters in Madrid. "That is enough for me. What I am not going to do is burn them on a pyre in a town square, because they don't deserve that. It is time to turn the page."
The trophy did not need much decoration; the season had already done most of the talking.
The scuffle occurred during Thursday's training session when Valverde needed hospital treatment for a head wound. He told club officials he struck his head on a table, calling the incident "a meaningless fight." Both players apologized to each other the following day and also expressed regret to teammates, coaching staff, and fans.
Arbeloa saved his sharpest criticism not for his players, but for whoever leaked details to Spanish sports daily Marca. "What happens in the changing room ends up being filtered to the media for me is a betrayal of Real Madrid," he said. "These things must stay in the changing room."
The Part Worth Keeping
The 43-year-old coach, promoted from Real Madrid's reserve team in January to replace Xabi Alonso, now faces a critical juncture with his team sitting 11 points behind Barcelona in the league standings with four matches remaining. Only a win at Camp Nou on Sunday can prevent Barcelona from clinching a second straight La Liga title.
"There is no doubt I have to take the responsibility for the fact that we have not risen to the challenge this season," Arbeloa admitted. "It is clear that feelings of frustration and anger can push you into situations that you don't desire. But now we must focus on Sunday's game."
Tchouaméni will be available for the Clásico, while Valverde remains on medical leave recovering from his injury.