Xabi Alonso: “I saw the lads and the stadium enjoying themselves”
“This project is just getting started, but the connection with the Bernabéu is fundamental, and I noticed it today,” added our coach.
Xabi Alonso appeared in the press room at the Bernabéu and analysed Real Madrid's victory in the first Clásico of the season: "The team was very motivated. Before the game, we talked about how important it was, not only to get the three points but also to see where we were coming from and what we wanted to be. I'm very happy for the lads because they needed the feeling of winning a big game like this Clásico. The motivation was total. It's not just the three points, it's a victory with added significance. Even so, it's early days and we have a lot of work to do. We wanted to feel good and that's how it turned out. For the future, we need the same feelings we had today.”
“We had a lot of players back for this match and we countered our opponents really well. The team was very solid defensively, although the goal came from us losing the ball. We created a lot of chances up front. The team's energy, conviction and competitiveness were important. We're leaving the stadium very happy and I saw the lads and the fans enjoying themselves. There was a very good connection and it was important for the fans to see their team compete and win in a big game. They enjoyed everything and that's what we need. This project is just getting started, but the connection with the Bernabéu is fundamental and I noticed it today."
Vini Jr.
“I'm taking away a lot of positives from Vini Jr.'s performance and I don't want to lose sight of what's important. He contributed a lot. It's an important, deserved victory, that could have been wider given the chances we had and the penalty. Regaining the feeling of being a competitive team in big games is important. All coaches know that there are different personalities. Now we'll enjoy it and, when the time comes, we'll talk about these things in the dressing room, of course.”
Praise for Bellingham
“He did well against Juve, today and even at Getafe. He's had three very good games and we knew that before the last break he needed minutes to get going and get a feel for things. He's done better than expected after the break. He's a player who's very much about feeling, transmitting and connecting. He's played some very good games.”
Midfield
“We played with players who have the dynamism to play in different positions. We needed to dominate the midfield and not be weak in that area. The whole team played a great game, but Eduardo (Camavinga) had a tremendous game.”
His feelings
“The game was important because of its significance and what it means in terms of morale. It will help us to grow, although there is still a long way to go. Enjoy today and stay calm.”
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The last month
“We are very focused on the short term and that's the best preparation. Try to prepare for every game as if it were the most important. We know the consequences of a Clásico, but from Tuesday onwards we'll be thinking about the next game. We mustn't get too carried away. Stay calm, enjoy it and move on.”
Have you prepared anything extra to stop Lamine Yamal?
“We try to defend well as a team and we haven't had any particular problems with him. The team defended well and didn't give away many chances.”
The scuffle at the end of the match
“It was the moment and the tension from both teams. These clashes have always happened and are a consequence of the desire to win. There's no need to be alarmed by a clash that is healthy, respectful and good-natured. It was the tension of an important match and a close result. We didn't concede too many chances and I see it as perfectly normal. We shouldn't read too much into these moments of tension. All sorts of things have happened in Clásicos and we have another match on Saturday."