Xabi Alonso: “We want to be consistent and show good performance levels”
“Getafe are a very competitive side and it’s a tough away trip,” underlined the coach.
Xabi Alonso appeared in his pre-match press conference in the build-up to Getafe-Real Madrid on LaLiga matchday nine, set to be played at the Coliseum (Sunday, 9:00 pm CEST): “All the guys who went away with their national teams, with the exception of Huijsen, who had to drop out, have come back in good shape. Some had shorter trips, others a bit longer, but they're all good and have been able to train. Getafe is always a tough away trip, they’re a really competitive side, with a coach who knows how to get the best out of his team and he sets them up well. It’s always a difficult game when you go there.”
The Miami match
“My opinion is the same as when you asked me two months ago. We’re against the game because we feel that it alters the competition. There has been no unanimous decision among the participants about taking a game to a neutral ground. There wasn't even a consultation. The protests are a positive because that’s how many clubs are feeling. We object to that decision being made unilaterally. If there is a unanimous consensus and all parties feel like it can happen, then that's fine, but it's not the case. The decisions that have to be made to avoid it happening are down to other people, but we hold the same opinion as ever.”
Punctuality in the squad
“In any respectful dressing room, discipline is fundamental. We have a daily routine and that’s important because we have a tight calendar and it must be respected. The players understand that and abide by it. Then we’ve got our internal processes, of course.”
Asencio’s role
“He has a fantastic ability to read the game, is powerful in his duels, and the more effective he is in how he uses those attributes, the better. The mistakes that were made at the Club World Cup can happen to anyone, but whenever he’s been called upon this season he’s shown high levels of performance and he’s very reliable. He’s had to play a bit out of position at times but he's got that flexibility. He’s a competitive guy, he’s got that spirit that all the lads who come through the academy have. You can see that, and there’s room for improvement. The unease since the World Cup is well in the past now, he’s a reliable player and he’s very much available.”
The system
"It’s great news for us to have Mendy back. He needs some time in training and getting some minutes under his belt, and it's very important he doesn’t have any relapses. He needs a few weeks to get back to 100%, but he gives us another option in that position. Fran García can play both at full-back or wing-back and Carreras can be a full-back or centre-back, as can Mendy. We've done that in the past and I'm sure we will again, we'll just have to wait and see."
Next run of games
“I always approach the next run of games as the toughest. In this block, we want to keep making progress, both in LaLiga and in the Champions League. We want to be consistent and show good performance levels. We're focused on Getafe, which is our next game. We're not looking any further ahead than that, but we know what's coming up. We’ve been fairly consistent and reliable recently but we can’t afford to relax, every team is so well prepared.”
Ceballos' role as a play-maker
“I've known him for a long time and what he's contributing now is exactly what I felt he could give us. He's not available for tomorrow's game but we hope to have him back soon. He has different attributes in terms of understanding the game and linking up with those around him. We'll see if he can play on Wednesday."
The Brazilians' performances with their country
“I saw the game against Korea. Vini Jr. has played more as a winger for us than as a forward, but we've used him in that position as well from time to time. Brazil rotated and it worked nicely for them in the match with Korea. They've got several really mobile players who interpret the game well and that's an option for us in the future too, with the guys we've got here."
How is Mbappé feeling?
“His ankle is fine, he'll be in the squad and could start tomorrow."
On Del Bosque's comments
“I have such appreciation and respect for him, we have a fantastic relationship. He's been in this position for a lot longer than I have. I'm just starting out and I hope I can improve as time goes on. I listen very carefully to everything he says."
Could Gonzalo and Endrick look to leave?
“That's not on my mind right now, it's not a consideration. They're both ready to play. It's a position where we have fantastic competition."
Bellingham's best form
“He's been training for a while and he's getting fit again as he recovers from his shoulder injury. He's better now and we're going to need the best of Bellingham. He's eager to feel good again, to get back to enjoying his football and helping the team on the pitch, to show what a wonderful player he is."