Xabi Alonso: "Derbies are always special"

Xabi Alonso appeared in the press room at Real Madrid City the day before the seventh round LaLiga derby, which will be played at the Metropolitano (Saturday, 4:15 pm CEST): "On the one hand, there is the preparation for the match, which is always with the same approach. However, it's a derby, which has a unique atmosphere and excitement. It's a very special match. Tomorrow we expect a great atmosphere, a tough atmosphere, which will make us play with the right energy and concentration to be able to win."

"What Simeone has done in these fourteen years at Atletico is hugely important. I'm just starting out. I like to take things little by little; I don't set myself long-term goals. Our start has been good, but there's a long way to go. We'll see."

Do you see yourself capable of equalling the record of 100 points in the league?
"It's very complicated; every game is difficult to win. We've only played six, and we've won every one so far, but we've struggled to win some of them. We mustn't be overconfident. You shouldn't think that just by going out on the pitch and having the squad we have, you're going to win. You have to work hard and prepare well. We have to be constant. The more we educate ourselves to be active on any pitch, the more games we'll win. We shouldn't relax, because you can slip up."

The atmosphere in the derby
"It's good, one of those that you like to play in. Derbies are always special. Even in the days leading up to them, you can feel the atmosphere in the city. When you know what's at stake, it motivates you more and you have that desire to do well, as a team and individually."

Bellingham and Camavinga
"I said they could play in Levante and tomorrow too."

Sensations
"It's different to go to the Metropolitano with another club or with Real Madrid, because of the healthy rivalry. It's nice, hopefully we can continue to enjoy it. The standings don't tell you much right now either. You could increase the advantage, but it's never easy to play at the Metropolitano. We're going to have a very demanding match."

On Mastantuono
"He has a lot of positive qualities. For the age he is and for having arrived a month and a little while ago in a new country and a new league and at a big club, he has adapted very well. I love the quality and the personality he has, of course, but even more how competitive he is. He has a lot of energy. Then you have to guide him, and he has to pick up concepts, but that competitive gene is fundamental in our team. I'm very happy they brought him in, and we're going to enjoy him for a long time. We have everyone ready; everyone has recovered well after the game in Valencia. But I can't give any clues."

Are Vini Jr, Mbappé and Mastantuono your favourite attacking trident?
"My answer from last week hasn't changed. We have options, and they're all important. The three of them have performed well, but the ones who didn't start are great players and they're ready."

On Bellingham
"He's an attacking midfielder. He can be involved in the build-up and finishing. He has that great ability to cover a lot of ground. We have to be efficient to get the ball to him as much as possible, and for him to throw things off balance. He's been training longer and longer, and he's getting more and more game time. Some players are more positional or static, but Jude is not like that."

Things to improve
"We're doing quite a few things well, and we need to keep strengthening them. The more flexible and unpredictable we are when we have the ball, the better. We have more than just one way of attacking. Without the ball, we have taken steps forward, and we can't lose that."

Players without derby experience
"If they didn't play, we would be losing a lot of bullets, fundamental elements. There is always a first time for everything, and we need them all tomorrow. We need everyone to have that feeling of what it's like on the pitch. The atmosphere is beautiful before, during and after the game. Some people celebrate more, and others have more difficult days. That's the history of derbies."

On the retirement of Sergio Busquets
"First of all, congratulate him on the career he has had. He was a great teammate, and we really enjoyed our time in the national team. As a teammate in midfield, he didn't confuse me at any time. He is collective, generous and intelligent in his decision-making. He wasn't the quickest, but he always made the right decisions, which is why he has had the brilliant career he has had. We all speak very fondly of him. Let him enjoy his last few games and get some rest, I'm sure he'll be back on the turf again."

Koke's action with the Rayo Vallecano goalkeeper
"My opinion is not relevant. They are past actions that have already been judged. I have nothing to say."

Have you seen the most recent derbies?
"No. Atletico have changed the squad quite a lot, so I've focused more on the games they've played this season. With the new players they have and the ones who have been there longer and have a clear identity. Every year, they are evolving. They have made some intelligent changes, with very good players who have been able to come in. They will be able to aspire to everything this season. It's going to be a demanding match on a tactical and physical level. They are a team with a lot of energy, and they demand a high tempo. We have to be ready."

Vini Jr. on the Metropolitano
"We mustn't get away from everything that has happened; we have to focus on the match, on what happens on the pitch. Vini Jr. is fundamental for us. He played a great game the other day. I liked a lot of things he did, and I like to see him smile. The preparation for tomorrow will be the same."