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Real Madrid coach Álvaro Arbeloa invoked the legacy of Juanito, the club's beloved icon from the 1980s, as evidence that even the most revered figures in the club's history have committed errors.
Arbeloa offered this historical perspective as part of a passionate defense of Federico Valverde and Aurélien Tchouaméni. The two players have found themselves at the heart of a massive media controversy this week after it was confirmed that the midfielders were involved in what Valverde called a "senseless fight," which left the Uruguayan international unconscious and in need of hospital treatment.
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Both players have since issued apologies and attempted to minimize the incident, yet Real Madrid still saw fit to fine each of them $588,500 (€500,000).
While the club's position when the summer transfer window arrives remains unclear, Arbeloa took a notably lenient view of the altercation, dismissing it as the kind of mistake anyone could make.
Who Is Juanito? Real Madrid's Divisive Legend Hailed by Arbeloa
The late Juanito of Real Madrid receives a lengthy UEFA ban for having a bit of "afters" with Bayern Munich's Lothar Matthäus in 1987. pic.twitter.com/yFXBgOoesz
To support his argument, Real Madrid's departing manager referenced a fiery winger whose stories he would have grown up hearing throughout his time in the club's academy. "I always use an example," Arbeloa told reporters the day before Sunday's Clásico. "For me, there's one player who embodies what a Real Madrid player should be, and that's Juanito. Did he never make a mistake?
"We're all incredibly proud of what he did on the pitch. He understood the essence of Real Madrid; he gave everything he had. How could anyone not make a mistake? We all do. But if there's one reason we love him, it's because he made mistakes just like the rest of us."
Juanito spent ten years at Real Madrid (1977–87), racking up over 400 appearances and 121 goals for the club. He tragically died at just 37 years old in 1992 following a road accident, yet remains an integral part of Madrid's storied history. Synonymous with the club's ability to overturn any deficit, the Bernabéu still rings out with chants in his honor during the seventh minute of every home game, paying tribute to one of their most beloved No. 7s.
However, Juanito's charisma came with a sharp edge. Regular confrontations with opponents, supporters, and officials earned the Spanish forward a volatile reputation. That would reach a darker extreme on April 8, 1987, when he was dismissed for a savage attack on Bayern Munich's Lothar Matthäus during a European Cup semifinal. Enraged by his side's 3–0 deficit, Juanito snapped after the German midfielder clattered into a challenge on Madrid fullback Chendo.
Matthäus had already fallen to the ground after committing the foul by the time Juanito came storming over. Madrid's star drove his studs into the grounded opponent before following up with the same boot to Matthäus's jaw with tremendous force. UEFA handed him a five-year ban while Madrid imposed the maximum fine allowed. Juanito would go on to make just two more substitute appearances before departing the club that summer.
Arbeloa looked beyond that unfortunate conclusion—as most Real Madrid supporters have—to argue that Valverde and Tchouaméni equally deserve a fresh start. "These two players deserve for us to turn the page, to give them the opportunity to keep fighting for this club," he insisted. "I'm very proud of them."
Arbeloa: 'That's Enough for Me'
With fines issued and apologies made, Arbeloa was eager to move forward and close the chapter.
"First of all, I'm very proud of the decisiveness, speed, and transparency with which the club has responded," he noted. "And secondly, I'm pleased the players have recognized their error, shown remorse, and asked for forgiveness. That's enough for me.
"What I won't do is make an example of them, because they don't deserve that. Based on what they've shown me over these four months and these years. They've demonstrated they understand what it means to be a Real Madrid player, and I won't forget that."
This indicates that Tchouaméni will be in contention for Sunday's Clásico against Barcelona. Valverde has been ruled out for 10 to 14 days as he recovers from the "brain injury" Madrid have confirmed he sustained.
"I won't allow this to be used to question their professionalism," Arbeloa added. "It's simply untrue that they aren't professional, that they aren't playing due to issues with me, or that they've shown me disrespect ... That is an absolute lie.
"I am primarily responsible for the fact that we haven't met expectations this season. But I've been here four months, and I'm very proud of my players—of how they've welcomed me, and considering where we started. It's clear that frustration and anger can push you into situations you'd rather avoid. Now we need to focus on the match. That's where our attention must go."
Barcelona's Hansi Flick Gives His Take
Barcelona manager Hansi Flick was a Bayern Munich player at the time Juanito attacked Matthäus—though he was not part of the squad for that particular European semifinal. When asked about Juanito, however, the German coach was stumped: "I won't answer that question. I'm sorry. I wouldn't know what to say."
Nonetheless, Flick declined to take aim at Madrid's well-publicized internal tensions. "I think these are things that happen everywhere in the world; it's not exclusive to Real Madrid," Barça's manager said. "It surprised me slightly, but I'm not concerned because it's not my team."
"The most important thing—and it's something I value about this club—is that we're all pulling in the same direction," Flick continued. "These aren't everyday situations, but they can occur. We have to address them and talk things through. Communication is how we handle matters here. If something happens... I'll deal with it then."