Xabi Alonso: “Vini Jr. played a very good game and had a decisive performance”
“We wanted to end this cycle of games on a high note with today's victory,” added our coach.
Xabi Alonso spoke to the media in the Bernabéu press room and analysed the win against Villarreal in LaLiga matchday eight: “We had to work hard for the win. In the first half, we lacked a bit of speed in our passing, but when we got into the positions, we created chances. It was a serious and important win for everyone. Now we move on.”
“We weren't fluid in the first half, but at half-time I told them that we were doing a lot of things well and that if we lost the ball they were prepared to counter-attack. We lacked a bit of dynamism against a very well-organised team, as Marcelino's side are, and that's why they deserve to be where they are”.
Praise for Vini Jr.
“He had a very good game and played a decisive role, not only because of the first goal but also because of the mismatch we were getting through him. I like it when I see him smiling and enjoying himself. He came close to scoring a hat-trick and rounding off his game”.
“I'm happy for him and for the team because we need everyone and we wanted to end this cycle on a high with today's victory. He also had a great game against Levante. He's a very important player for the team and the club because of his ability to create mismatches, what he generates and the difficulty he poses for the opposition.”
Bellingham
“When he comes back, with two more weeks of training, he'll be better every day and he'll be important for the October phase. We now have that time because we've lost a lot of the pre-season. We have a busy schedule ahead of us with Getafe, Juve, Barcelona..”‘
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The penalty takers
“They decided it, but Kylian is still the penalty taker. He's got a good record.”
Will Mbappé and Mastantuono go with the national team despite their injuries?
“We can't say that they won't go with the national teams. They'll have to be assessed there and we hope it doesn't get any worse. They have minor injuries and I can't say any more than that”.
Valverde's performance at right-back
"A very good match. He's always willing to play wherever he's needed and he had a great game defensively and offensively. A really good game and he helped the team a lot. We all saw how he played and he had a great game. Due to our needs, he played there and he's always very generous with the team. He has a great attitude and likes to feel useful. That's what we need and he's never complained about it.”
Villarreal's anger with the referee
“If Marcelino didn't address it, then neither do we.”