Xabi Alonso: "We've switched into Champions League mode and we want to win the game"
“Kairat Almaty are a decent side and won't make life easy for us," stated the coach.
Xabi Alonso spoke to the press on the eve of the match against Kairat Almaty, the second clash of the opening phase of the Champions League, set to be played at the Ortalyq Stadıon (Tuesday, 6:45 pm CEST): “It's a Champions League game. The opposition or where we're coming into it from doesn't matter. We want to win, and starting well is important. We did that in our home game with a good win and now we want to do the same on the road so we can keep picking up points."
“We've switched into Champions League mode and the big game is tomorrow's now, and the important thing is the team we put out and how they play. We want to start strongly in the Champions League and avoid dropping crucial points. We want to keep on where we left off with the opening-day win.”
Key elements tomorrow
“Playing well is about pressing well, defending well and attacking well. With the players we have and how we want to approach the game, it's bound to be hard-fought and intense because the opposition are well prepared both physically and tactically. They're well set up and we have to handle the match well from minute one."
Will there be squad rotation?
“There will be eleven players out on the pitch, and those eleven players are all at Real Madrid. It'll be a competitive side against a team who are playing in the competition for the first time, but they're disciplined and won't make life easy for us."
Kairat Almaty
“We've watched their games against Celtic and the one the other day against Sporting de Portugal. They have a strong core and some different options in attack. They're a direct outfit, they play some slick stuff and are clear in what they want to do. We'll have to compete well."
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“We've analysed the opposition both collectively and individually. I didn't know much about them before, but I am familiar with them now. They are in the Champions League and they deserve to be there. The result the other day was a bit unusual and tomorrow they're playing at home, with all the emotion that brings, so we have to be prepared."
The trip to Almaty
“You have to adapt and whether or not the trip is annoying isn't something to consider. We've changed our usual roadmap, but in football, the smartest ones are those who adapt best. It's a game like any other and the journey is not an impediment or an excuse."
The derby
“Whether we win or lose, our feelings around it can only last 24 hours. It wasn't just about the attitude, it was the rhythm and tactical elements too, we have to improve in terms of the solutions and pace to the game so we can compete better. We didn't do it well enough. We've done our analysis internally so we can use the outcomes and now we're focused on the Champions League and Almaty.”
“I like to analyse things and think about the future after every game. With the players we have here, we'll have options depending on what's required. We need Jude, Arda, Fede, Edu, Dani, Aurelien… We have loads of options in the centre of the park, and out wide as well. It didn't go as we would have liked the other day, but we have an abundance of options for what's to come."
A lack of connection and attitude at the Metropolitano?
"I didn't see a lack of anything, I think it's very much there. The spirit is absolutely vital when it comes to building on an idea about football. We're in a building phase and we have to keep improving. How long will that last? I don't know, but we're still taking steps forward and if we want to take two steps forward, perhaps we have to take one back from time to time. We want to keep improving and defining how we want to play both on a footballing level and also in terms of the team's personality. We're going to get better in that regard."
“We have to move on from it. It's not a case of analysing only the attitude. There were footballing reasons for it. We weren't at our best and that's part of the adaptation and learning process. We've been together for 58 days and we're doing alright... It was painful, but we're in Champions League mode now."