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Álvaro Arbeloa urged Kylian Mbappé to "keep showing his dedication to the club," as the coach also addressed questions surrounding Florentino Pérez's emergency press conference and other matters ahead of the La Liga clash with Real Oviedo.
Madrid step back onto the pitch on Thursday evening for their first fixture since the loss to Barcelona that officially handed their rivals the title. Surrendering La Liga also means Los Blancos will go back-to-back seasons without lifting a major trophy.
With only pride on the line in the final three matches of the domestic campaign, attention in recent days has shifted largely to Madrid's troubles off the pitch.
A dressing-room power struggle, the potential comeback of José Mourinho, and Pérez's—at times bizarre—address to the media on Tuesday, during which he announced presidential elections, have dominated the news cycle this week.
Facing reporters on Wednesday, a day after his president, Arbeloa sought to project a sense of composure.
On the State of Madrid
When asked whether Real Madrid had reached their lowest point this season, the coach responded: "I'm surprised to hear people say we've hit rock bottom. What would you call what other clubs are going through? We haven't gone 50 years without winning anything.
"If Real Madrid is where it is, it's because of the high standards we hold ourselves to. I wouldn't dare claim that Real Madrid won't win anything next season. Real Madrid has been operating well for quite some time, it's very well run, and it has exceptional players. In the summer, the right analysis will be carried out to make improvements.
"They'll have a stronger squad, with the understanding that this is sport and no club wins the Champions League or La Liga every single year."
On Mbappé
When questioned about the fitness of Mbappé, who remains sidelined with a hamstring problem that has ruled him out of the past two matches, Arbeloa called on the striker to keep fighting for the team.
He said: "We'll see how he comes through today's session. He completed training yesterday, and if he's fit, he'll definitely get some minutes and the chance to keep showing his dedication to the club."
Attention quickly shifted to Mbappé's commitment to the club amid a string of recent controversies, though Arbeloa declined to address the player directly.
"Everyone has given everything they have," Arbeloa emphasized. "If I hadn't, I don't know where I'd be today. I'm fortunate to be here. My players need to appreciate how lucky they are. Real Madrid leaves a lasting impression on you and gives us more than anyone else gives the club."
On Pérez
Arbeloa stood behind the president's controversial press conference, in which he took aim at journalists and continued to push allegations of refereeing bias against Real Madrid.
"I'm not here to pass judgment on the president's press conference," Arbeloa said. "Any Madrid supporter who listened to the president yesterday would agree that he should stand up for the interests of his members and that Madrid is treated differently from other clubs around the world."
When asked whether he would back Pérez in the upcoming elections, the coach replied: "Since I'm not a member, I won't be voting. I've known Real Madrid without Florentino and I know what that was like. I'll take these 26 years any day, and the fans will remember what Florentino has achieved beyond just the trophies.
"Alongside Santiago Bernabéu, they are the two most impactful figures in the club's history. If anyone is capable of turning this situation around, it's Florentino."
On His Own Future
With Mourinho now broadly anticipated to take charge at the close of the season, Arbeloa appears to have very little time remaining as Real Madrid manager.
He deflected questions about his own future, telling the media: "I understand the questions and the uncertainty; if I were sitting where you are, I'd ask the same things. The mindset since I took this seat has never been to look after myself, but to look after Real Madrid."