Xabi Alonso, the coach of Real Madrid, addressed the media on Friday, offering insights into the team’s dynamics and preparations for their upcoming La Liga match against Espanyol. A key topic was Kylian Mbappé and his role within the team. Alonso clarified that even a player of Mbappé’s caliber couldn’t be expected to play every minute of every game, emphasizing the need for workload distribution. He also touched on the team’s overall form, the suspension of Huijsen, and the morale of Vinícius Júnior.
The coach’s remarks provide a glimpse into his management style, highlighting his focus on squad rotation, player well-being, and tactical flexibility. As Real Madrid navigates the season, Alonso’s leadership will be crucial in maintaining a competitive edge while ensuring players remain fresh and motivated. This article dives into the key points from the press conference, offering a comprehensive overview of Alonso’s thoughts and strategies.
Mbappé: A Vital Piece, Not the Only Piece
When asked about Mbappé’s status as an ‘absolute starter,’ Alonso tempered expectations. While acknowledging Mbappé’s importance, he stressed the impracticality of relying on one player to carry the entire workload. ‘It’s impossible for one player to play everything,’ Alonso stated. This highlights Alonso’s philosophy of squad rotation and his belief in the collective strength of the team.
By managing Mbappé’s playing time, Alonso aims to keep him fresh and prevent burnout, ensuring he remains a potent force throughout the season. This approach also allows other players to step up and contribute, fostering a sense of unity and shared responsibility within the squad.
Even superstars like Mbappé need rest and strategic deployment. Alonso seems intent on building a team where multiple players can shine, making Real Madrid less predictable and more resilient.
Facing Espanyol with Confidence
Turning his attention to the upcoming match against Espanyol, Alonso expressed cautious optimism. He recognized Espanyol’s good form but emphasized Real Madrid’s positive momentum and desire to improve. ‘Espanyol are playing at a very good pace, with good intensity… but we’re playing at home, we want to put in a good performance,’ Alonso noted.
Alonso’s focus on maintaining a positive ‘phase’ reflects his emphasis on consistency and continuous improvement. He aims to build upon recent successes and solidify Real Madrid’s position in the league. Playing at home provides an added advantage, and Alonso hopes the team can capitalize on the familiar surroundings to deliver a strong performance.
The key will be matching Espanyol’s intensity and imposing Real Madrid’s style of play. A well-structured game plan and clinical execution will be essential for securing a victory.
Huijsen’s Suspension: Accepting the Consequences
Alonso addressed the suspension of Huijsen, expressing his disappointment but acknowledging the need to accept the decision. ‘I would have liked the decision to have been different… If a mistake is accepted, it should have consequences, and it seems that this has not been the case,’ Alonso commented.
While clearly disagreeing with the outcome, Alonso refrained from further criticism, choosing instead to focus on the team’s response to the setback. He will need to reshuffle his defensive options to compensate for Huijsen’s absence, providing an opportunity for other players to step up and prove their worth.
The situation underscores the importance of maintaining discipline and avoiding unnecessary errors. Alonso will likely use this as a teaching moment to reinforce the team’s commitment to fair play and responsible conduct.
Vinícius Júnior: Restoring the Smile
The coach provided an update on Vinícius Júnior, noting the player’s improved mood after a difficult period. ‘Yesterday… it wasn’t the right time to talk to him. But today… he was in a better mood… with a better smile, more positive,’ Alonso revealed. He also mentioned doing individual work with Vinícius, focusing on crosses and finishes, which ended on a positive note.
Alonso’s proactive approach to managing Vinícius’s morale highlights his understanding of the psychological aspects of the game. By providing individual attention and support, he aims to help Vinícius regain his confidence and rediscover his best form. A happy and motivated Vinícius Júnior is a major asset for Real Madrid, and Alonso is clearly invested in nurturing his well-being.
The focus now is on translating this positive momentum into on-field performance. With Alonso’s guidance, Vinícius can overcome recent challenges and once again become a key contributor to the team’s success.
Rodrygo: Another Game Changer
Alonso was asked what Rodrygo brings to the team and he replied, “His quality, his ability to dribble past players, his ability to link up with others… but Vini has that too. They are two players who can make a difference. Both when they started and when they came on from the bench, they had a very good impact. It’s a position where we are very well covered.”
This further reinforces Alonso’s philosophy of squad rotation and his belief in the collective strength of the team. By managing playing time, Alonso aims to keep players fresh and prevent burnout, ensuring they remain a potent force throughout the season.
Fitness Updates and Squad Rotation
Alonso provided updates on the fitness of key players, including Bellingham, Camavinga and Endrick. ‘Bellingham and Camavinga may get some minutes, we’ll have to see how the game unfolds, but I’d like them to. And Endrick… yes, he’ll be in the squad,’ Alonso confirmed.
This indicates Alonso’s intention to gradually reintegrate these players into the team, managing their workload carefully. With several games remaining before the next break, Alonso recognizes the importance of having a deep and fit squad to compete on all fronts. The inclusion of Endrick in the squad offers a glimpse into the future, showcasing the young talent’s potential and readiness to contribute.
Aspiring for Control and Balance
When asked about what he sees as “the complete game” Alonso stated, ‘In the last two games, we’ve played well in the first half, but the second half has been affected by cards… But I aspire to have that feeling of control for longer ‘phases’… That we work hard in games, we have stability in our play and that, too, will give us emotional stability.’
Alonso emphasizes the importance of maintaining control and avoiding emotional swings. By finding the right balance, he believes the team can make better decisions and sustain consistent performance throughout the entire match. This focus on stability and composure reflects Alonso’s desire to cultivate a mature and disciplined team that can handle pressure situations effectively.
Camavinga’s Best Position: Midfield Maestro
Alonso discussed Eduardo Camavinga’s best position, stating, ‘As a midfielder… where I see him and where I’d like to play with him is in the center of the field, either as a six or an eight.’ Alonso acknowledged Camavinga’s versatility but emphasized his preference for utilizing him in a central midfield role.
This suggests Alonso has a clear vision for Camavinga’s development and his role within the team’s tactical framework. By focusing on his strengths in midfield, Alonso believes Camavinga can reach his full potential and make a significant contribution to Real Madrid’s success. Integrating Camavinga into the collective quality of the team is a key priority for Alonso, both with and without the ball.
Addressing Insults and Maintaining Composure
Alonso addressed the issue of insults directed at players and coaches, stating, ‘In an ideal world, we wouldn’t have to suffer these situations… Unfortunately, you have to learn to live with it because sometimes, if you don’t, it can take you out of your… situation, out of the game.’ Alonso acknowledged the unfortunate reality of such incidents and emphasized the importance of maintaining composure in the face of adversity.
His comments underscore the mental challenges faced by athletes and the need to develop coping mechanisms to deal with negativity. By encouraging players to remain focused and not allow insults to affect their performance, Alonso aims to cultivate a resilient and mentally strong team.
Reunion with Mourinho: A Special Encounter
Alonso commented on Jose Mourinho joining Benfica, stating, ‘I had the opportunity to face him when he was at Roma and I was at Leverkusen… It will be special for everyone, but especially for him.’ Alonso expressed his anticipation for the upcoming encounter with Mourinho, acknowledging the special significance of the reunion, particularly for Mourinho, given his history with Benfica.
Alonso’s remarks reflect his respect for Mourinho and the shared history between the two coaches. The reunion will undoubtedly add an extra layer of intrigue to the match, as both managers seek to outwit each other on the sidelines.
Defining His Coaching Style
Finally, Alonso was asked to describe his coaching style, specifically whether he identifies as a ‘team manager’ like Carlo Ancelotti. In response, Alonso simply stated, ”Coach’, I’ll leave it at that for now. Good or bad… you decide.’ This humble response reflects Alonso’s focus on his work and his willingness to let others judge his performance.
Rather than self-proclaiming a specific label, Alonso prefers to let his actions speak for themselves. This understated approach suggests a quiet confidence and a commitment to continuous improvement.
Key Takeaways and Future Prospects
Xabi Alonso’s press conference provided valuable insights into his managerial philosophy, team dynamics, and preparations for the upcoming match against Espanyol. He stressed the importance of squad rotation, player well-being, and tactical flexibility. His remarks on Mbappé, Vinícius Júnior, and Camavinga offered a glimpse into his plans for these key players.
Alonso’s emphasis on maintaining control, balance, and composure reflects his desire to cultivate a mature and disciplined team. As Real Madrid navigates the season, Alonso’s leadership will be crucial in maintaining a competitive edge and achieving their goals. With a blend of tactical acumen, man-management skills, and a clear vision for the future, Xabi Alonso is well-equipped to guide Real Madrid to success.
Leave a Reply