Xabi Alonso: “We're building a solid foundation”
“We want to collect as many points as possible, and to do that we need to win a lot of matches,” added the Real Madrid coach.
Xabi Alonso spoke to the press the day before Real Madrid’s game against Levante at the Estadio Ciudad de Valencia (Tuesday, 9,30 pm CEST). The coach had this to say: “Any away game is difficult. Levante are playing well, not only because of their last victory in Girona, but also against Betis, and in the first league game, they caused Barcelona a lot of difficulties. They have a great manager, Calero, who has been very competitive at all the clubs he has been at. Tomorrow, we have to do a lot of things well: play with quality, with tempo, with focus, and be prepared to do what we have to do and work hard throughout the match.”
“We're improving, we're on the right track. We're still in the process of building the foundations and pillars. We need to be more consistent in our repetition. The other day we put in a strong, solid performance. We can improve, but that tells us we're doing things right. It's only six games, it's nothing. We must have the ambition to want more and be hungry. This year we want to collect a lot of points, and to do that we have to win a lot of games.”
The Ballon d’Or
“We'll see what happens. I watch a lot of football, but I'm not on the jury and I don't have to vote. We'll see who wins after the ceremony. I haven't thought about it too much, I'm thinking about Levante.”
Players’ anger at being substituted
“I've been a player myself, and when you're substituted, it's not the nicest moment either. I take it in my stride and treat it as normal. We talk about things. I like to be close to the players and talk about how they felt after the match. I'm not making a big deal out of a small thing.”
Praise for Carreras
“I was optimistic because I'd been following him for a while, but his personality and competitiveness have pleasantly surprised me. He makes very few mistakes, is very focused and has great technical and tactical skills. He's very well-rounded. The instant impact he's had is remarkable. We also have Fran, Alaba and Mendy who can play in that position, but his performance has been excellent so far.”
Vini Jr.
“After the match, I spoke with the players and they were all happy. They had a good feeling and were keen to continue improving. We need to work as a team and have a collective spirit in order to face the challenges ahead. Everyone understands the role we want for the team and everyone is contributing.”
Bellingham and Camavinga
“They could be starters tomorrow. Anyone who is in the squad could be a starter. They have trained and played more and are in better shape.”
A perfect start
“We must keep going and be realistic at this stage. We're still building, although the results help give us confidence that we're on the right track. There are no secrets. The team has to play collectively so that everyone benefits. That's going to be one of the important things this season.”
Which front-three does he like best?
“That's a very difficult question to answer. I'd get into trouble. We need them all, I'm happy. We can do even better. In the final third of the pitch, we need to evolve and keep trying to do different things. But we're building a foundation, and that foundation will be solid for the rest of the season, and everyone is doing well. Some could've scored a few more goals than they have, and others are waiting for their first goal, but they're eager to score.”
Shots and possession
“The other day, we had possession, but we struggled to create more in the final third. We've talked about it and tried to correct what we can. Levante can press you and their forwards are in good form, and they have wingers who get forward well. We have to prepare for all phases of the game. The interpretation may be different.”
What does Vini Jr. have to do?
“I'm pleased with what he's doing. We're just starting the season. He has to stay focused, there's still a long way to go.”
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On Camavinga
“I'm excited because he hasn't been with us for so long. I know him from having seen him play, but I'm looking forward to working with him. I think he has huge potential and lots of qualities. Within the collective project, there are individual projects, and he's one of them. What he's done so far is important, but he still has a long way to go. He's eager and motivated. Individually, he has very different qualities. From the ‘6’ position, with his dribbling, he can get into the final third. He's not static, he's dynamic.”
On attending or not attending the Ballon d'Or gala
“Tomorrow we have a match in Levante. It's a league game and this year we're going for a lot of points and every match is very important. I'm not thinking about that. Not at all.”
The game’s kick-off time
“I don't think it's the first or last time we'll play at this time. In the Champions League, we already play at nine o'clock in the evening. I don't have much else to say.”
Yellow cards received
“The data is the data.”
Minutes for Carreras, Tchouameni and Mbappé
“They're important players and we've only played five league games. There'll be a time for everything and they'll come into the rotation. I don't know when yet. We have to spread the load. Many of them are with their national teams. We'll see as time goes on.”