Xabi Alonso: “We need to perform at a high level because it's an important match”
“We're playing against a team that's in good form both in LaLiga and in the Champions League,” added the Madrid coach.
Xabi Alonso spoke to the media in the press room at Real Madrid City the day before the game against Villarreal. The Madrid coach discussed the LaLiga matchday eight fixture ahead: “We're back at home against a team that's in good form both in LaLiga, in terms of their position and their play, and in the Champions League, where they've competed in both matches. Tomorrow, we need to perform at a high level, both collectively and individually, because these are important matches and it's the last one before the international break.”
“Normally, it's the players who give us information about their national teams. We're always open to any questions from the coaches. It's happened in the past, and I try to help out as best I can. The fitness coaches do have more contact if a player arrives with an injury, so they can monitor their workload. We try to maintain good communication, and so far there haven't been any problems.”
Valverde
“He's ready for tomorrow, as we all are. We know how important tomorrow's match is for the team. After the last two matches, we want to finish this period on a high with a good performance and a win tomorrow. That's what we need.”
Concerns for the players
“We're lucky to spend a lot of time together and to be able to talk a lot and correct things. I have the feeling, and we're reinforcing it, that the team is the most important thing. Everyone is going to be important and will have their moment. Moments when you expect to play and don't are normal and you have to accept them. It's not a new situation and we have to live with it because we know it's going to happen again. We are relaxed.”
Do the players ask to play in a specific position?
“No player, neither Valverde nor Rodrygo nor Vini Jr., has ever told me that they don't want to play in a certain position. That hasn't happened; they all want to play. When they're not playing, they'd like to be on the pitch. That's normal. They're all eager to play, and then it's up to me to decide what's best for the team. I want to make that clear.”
Is it easier to manage pressure as a coach?
“It's completely different. Here, you have to manage and decide on many more things. It's a lot less demanding in some areas and more demanding in others. Now it's my turn, and I'm enjoying it.”
How would you like the fans to react?
“What I'm thinking about is how I want us to react. I want us to play well, with intensity, quality and as a team. I'm not asking for anything, we have to be the ones to give it everything. We have to be proactive with our game because we know that's the best way for people to enjoy it. We want that and we want to win the match, but in the way we intend to.”
Has his authority been questioned?
“We spend a lot of time together and we have that intimacy of preparing for matches, celebrating victories and feeling the pain of defeats. That brings us closer together and makes us very united. I have always noticed that confidence and closeness with the players, knowing my place. But respecting each other and working hand in hand. That is fundamental for me.”
Learning from his playing career
“You say that after the defeat we were very low and after the victory very high. That's not the case. We shouldn't be too high or too low. The more balanced we are and the more we know that we have to take the good with the bad, the more effective we will be in our performance. That happens, it happened and it will happen at any club. How well we handle it will be very important. We don't forget, but we don't get stuck on it.”
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How much importance does he attach to what appears in the press?
“I try to focus more on what I can control and what I actually experience and can change, namely what happens in the dressing room and during the match. The outside stuff, I just live with it, I cope with it pretty well. It's not the first time and I know it won't be the last. I try not to let it affect me much, if at all. I don't get too worked up about it, to be honest.”
On how he manages the second goalkeeper situation
“You always have to be prepared because any injury or situation can happen. You have to feel ready. We have a great goalkeeper in Courtois, but Lunin has proven himself and he's also ready. We'll have to see how the different competitions pan out. In December, we'll start the Copa del Rey. We'll have to see what decision we make. He has to feel ready, even though he hasn't been able to play until now. And he is.”
Substitutes warming up during matches
“It's something we like to do because anything can happen. I think it's good and it's very normal. It's important to us. I want everyone to participate.”
Bellingham out of England squad
“I don't feel relieved, that's the decision. I've spoken to Bellingham, he told me that Tuchel had already mentioned it to him. It's only a matter of time before he's back in the squad, I'm sure he'll be back. After his injury, he's slowly getting better and wants to play and contribute. He's a key player because of his quality, his work rate and how versatile he is. It's only a matter of time before he reaches his best level.”
Rodrygo and Endrick
“Rodrygo could start. Endrick is coming back from a slightly longer injury, but he's been training well for three weeks. It depends on the context of the match, whether there's a moment when he can play. He's a goalscorer, he doesn't need much to shoot. He has a terrific finish and is very good at finding space. There's a lot of competition now, but his time will come.”
Can Arda Güler and Bellingham complement each other?
“I think they can complement each other. We have to see how we position the other players. We need to have a balance where we can link up in those areas in the best possible way. For me, getting Bellingham forward is always very important, getting him into the number 10 position. Arda Güler has been able to play as a number 10 and a little deeper, maybe not so much now in LaLiga, but he can do it. They need to find their place, they need to flow and feel comfortable. They can do it. I've seen them do it together and I'm sure they'll do it again.”
Do you read what the press says about you?
“Not much.”