Surge of Confidence in Real Madrid Players After Victory

Positive Reaction Following Impressive Performance

In the wake of Saturday’s commendable victory against Villarreal, Valdano remarked on the noticeable boost in morale among Real Madrid players who were previously overlooked under Xabi Alonso.

Insights from Valdano on Player Motivation

While speaking on Radio Marca, Valdano shared his observations:

“What’s occurring? I believe Arbeloa is effectively instilling confidence in his players. The enthusiasm they displayed against Villarreal was remarkable.”

He noted that:

“The team was fully engaged throughout the game, from the first minute to the last. This level of connection hadn’t been present during Xabi Alonso’s tenure.”

He elaborated further:

“Under Xabi, players would emerge from the locker room well-prepared. Initially, for about 20 to 25 minutes, it seemed they were following his tactical guidance. However, as the game progressed, they often became distracted and began to struggle, leading to subpar performances.”

Tactical Discipline and Player Confidence

Valdano appreciated the dynamics of the match against Villarreal, stating:

“The performance was compelling. While their success was aided by goals from one of the top strikers globally (Kylian Mbappé), it’s notable that they didn’t rely on the world’s best goalkeeper (Thibaut Courtois) to secure the win. Real Madrid displayed commendable discipline and are actively working to enhance player confidence.”

Valdano concluded with a crucial point about the change in approach:

“Is there greater dedication with Arbeloa? The players appear to be more at ease. I’m uncertain about what transpired under Xabi Alonso, but it seems clear that something has changed. Arbeloa seems to be recognizing the issues and is taking steps to address them.”