Xabi Alonso: "We need a win to carry on adding another three points"
"We want to continue to set the tone and be intense to win back possession,” said our coach.
Xabi Alonso appeared before the media in the press room at Real Madrid City on the day before the LaLiga matchday 14 encounter against Girona at Montilivi (Sunday, 9 pm CET; Orange TV and Movistar LaLiga).
Our coach gave his thoughts on the match: "After the last Champions League match in Athens, we know that this is one where we need to feel like we can win away from home. It's been strange to have so many consecutive away matches in the schedule. We've had the Champions League and LaLiga matches back-to-back, but we need a win to keep adding three more points if we want to stay up there. That's the goal. The team is doing well, we've got some players back and we're in better shape.”
“We need continuity. We've had some good spells of play, but we've lacked a complete display, where we've felt that dominance, control, confidence and conviction in our play. We've been improving defensively; I'm not very happy with some things we can improve, especially the goals we've conceded in recent games. We're going to do better. We're also improving with the ball; we're still building and that's the way forward.”
Set up
“The approach and the idea have always been the same. We've had some misalignments, but we're going to correct them to improve. We want to continue to be aggressive, protagonists and intense when it comes to winning the ball back. When our organisation falters a little, it becomes a little more difficult. We need organisation, intensity and conviction in how to do it.”
Injuries and returns
“We've got Rüdiger and Militão back. We'll wait until tomorrow with Asencio. Huijsen isn’t ready yet, we're waiting. Mastantuono is also in the squad.”
Laporta's statements
“There are populist messages coming from all sides, aimed at their own supporters. We focus on our own business. The important thing is what happens on the pitch, winning in a sporting and deserved manner. Every match is a test of that and we have to prove it.”
Have you had any issues with Bellingham?
“Not at all. I have very good communication with Jude and a very good relationship. He's a world-class player; he has that desire to improve, learn, know and be more efficient with the great potential he has. I like those players who have the curiosity and initiative to come and ask what we can do better. He fits into different profiles and positions because he's so complete, and we also have to know what's going on around him.”
Mastantuono's return
“He's better. Pubalgia has its phases, but he's been able to train for 10 days without discomfort. He was suffering a little on the pitch, so we decided to stop before exacerbating the situation to a point where he wasn't feeling good. Now he's training without discomfort and without pain. He's back with the group and has to get back into the swing of things.”
Trent
"I think we're going to see an even better Trent. It's very positive that after his injury, he was able to play 90 minutes against Elche and Olympiacos. We need him. It's his first year, he's only been here a few months and an adaptation period is normal. He's happy with how he's starting to feel; he also has demands for himself because he's played at the top level. We want to see that, and we have to support him through this major change. It's great news that he feels that way.”
Mendy
“I was very impressed. Until the other day, it was the first game we had played with Ferland. I had seen him a lot, and I knew his qualities. After a long injury, we didn't know where he would be in terms of competitiveness, and he did very well. He had to play the full 90 minutes due to injuries, and that shows how competitive he is. He's a great defender, he gives you a lot of stability and security. For him to come back after getting injured in the Cup final is very good news."
Vini and Mbappé's connection in space
"They're very good at that, and they've done it in other phases in other games too. There will be games where we come up against low blocks, where we have to attack and be more patient. They need to know when to be in the right place and for us to find them at the right time. That connection, quality, understanding they have, and how well they get on, is evident on the pitch. The other day it was very impressive and it was a shame that Vini couldn't get a goal.”
Support from the players
“I've always felt that the team is really together, that we all understand what the objective is this season. If we want to get to May, for the important moments, with a chance of competing for everything, we have to be really connected on a day-to-day basis. The connection is very good. We're together in the good times and the not-so-good times. These things happen in football, in every team. We have good communication and connection in our day-to-day, so everything is very solid. Despite everything that's being said and whatever people want. We're very solid from within."