Ex-Liverpool star holds his hands up for post-Xabi Alonso Real Madrid nightmare

Real Madrid suffered a humiliating exit from the Spanish Cup at the hands of second-tier side Albacete, with new boss Alvaro Arbeloa taking responsibility for the defeat

Alvaro Arbeloa is the new Real Madrid manager(Image: Getty Images)

New Real Madrid manager Alvaro Arbeloa has shouldered the blame for the club's embarrassing Spanish Cup elimination at the hands of Albacete.

Los Blancos faced the second-tier outfit in the last 16 of the Copa del Rey on Wednesday. The cup tie marked former Liverpool star Arbeloa's debut in the dugout after he was appointed as Xabi Alonso's successor following his dismissal earlier this week.

However, the former defender endured a disastrous opening as Javi Villar put Albacete ahead. Summer recruit Franco Mastantuono equalized on the stroke of half-time. Late goals from Jefte Betancor and Gonzalo Garcia appeared to be sending the match into extra-time, only for Betancor to snatch victory for Albacete in the 95th minute.

In his post-match comments, Arbeloa insisted the responsibility lay with him.

He said: "At this club, a draw is bad, a tragedy, so imagine a defeat like this.

"It's painful, especially against a lower division team... Obviously, we have to improve.

Real Madrid lost to Albacete on Wednesday(Image: Getty Images)

"I'm responsible, I take the decisions: the team, how we want to play, the substitutions. We'll try to recover our morale and physically, and improve for the game on Saturday (against Levante in La Liga). If people want to describe this as a failure, I'd understand it.

"For me, failure lies on the way to success... I don't fear that word. I've failed a lot in my life, I've suffered defeats in cups, I'm excited about getting to Valdebebas tomorrow and working with the players, to (play) much better on Saturday."

Arbeloa fielded a significantly altered side for his debut match in charge, with key figures including Kylian Mbappe, Jude Bellingham, and Thibaut Courtois all absent from the squad.

However, the Spanish manager stood by his team selection and insisted he would make identical choices if faced with the decision again.

He added: "I was convinced the squad was the right one, and I still think that. We have an extraordinary squad, with great players. It isn't easy for them to do everything I've asked of them after just one day.

"We have a lot of players to get back to their best physical level. I don't regret anything. I'd pick the same team again."

Los Blancos will be looking to return to winning form this weekend when they face Levante at the Bernabeu.

They currently trail Barcelona by four points in the battle for the league championship.