Xabi Alonso: “We're entering a demanding phase of the calendar and the team is raring to go”
“Elche are performing really well and playing good football,” added the Madrid coach.
Xabi Alonso spoke to the media in the press room at Real Madrid City and discussed the game against Elche, on matchday 13 of LaLiga, which will be played at the Martínez Valero stadium (Sunday, 9 pm CET): “All the international players have returned in good shape, full of energy, in good spirits and keen to get back together. We're off to Elche, who, after being promoted, are performing really well, competing hard and playing good football. We've got a tough match tomorrow.”
Feelings
“Everything is the same. There are all kinds of moments in a season, but we're looking forward to the games we have before Christmas, both in the League and the Champions League. There's good energy. We're going to get people back and others will be able to contribute. We need everyone.”
On criticism of the team
“We know where we are, the demands of Real Madrid and everything that can happen. We take it in our stride and carry on with the high standards we set ourselves after every match, whether it goes well or badly. We shouldn’t read too much into it.”
Physical condition
“I don't connect football performance with physical condition. We prepare to be able to compete at the highest level all year round, with all the players we have. Now we're entering a very demanding phase of the calendar and we need to distribute the workload and playing time well, so that everyone feels ready to play. Physically, the data is improving. We have to live with injuries. Let's see if we can reduce Militão's. Rüdiger is close to returning. That has a big impact on how we distribute playing time.”
Consecutive away matches
“That's how it is, we have to prepare for them in the same way. We know what it means to play away from home, these are matches where you play against the crowd, but the game and the preparation are the same.”
Trent or Valverde at right-back?
“We've used this break with Trent to train more and get him back to full fitness after his injuries. Valverde can still play there, but having Trent in better shape gives us more options in that position. It's not just him, there are other options such as Militão, who played there the other day with his national team, or Asencio.”
Lack of goals
“After every match, we analyse it. We didn't manage to score in Liverpool or Vallecas. It's not just down to Mbappé, it's down to the team. When we don't score, we have to look for alternatives that don't just involve the striker. That could be the wingers from the second line or from set pieces. The goals will come, I have no doubt about that.”
Courtois’ form
“It's not just in recent matches, but in recent seasons. And especially at crucial moments in the season or in major competitions, such as the Champions League, he produces saves that will be remembered. On a day-to-day basis, not only because of his quality in goal but also because of his personality and communication skills, he is a constant presence in the team. He wants to take that step and he takes on that responsibility well. It's also important to him.”
Rüdiger
“It's great news that he's close to returning. Probably not for tomorrow, but we'll assess whether he can make it for Athens. His excellent performance, personality and high competitive level make him an important player to have. Militão's injury isn't serious, but we'll miss him and having Antonio back soon is very good news.”
A demanding game against Elche
“I've worked with them for two and a half hours, both on the pitch and chatting, to see what we need, who we are and what we want, where we've come from and what lies ahead. We're preparing ourselves mentally and emotionally for what we're going to need. Tomorrow is the time to show it. All visits are demanding.”
Distributing the workload after the international break
“Everyone who is available and fit, with no injuries, has the same chance to play. But in the weeks leading up to the break, we need everyone; everyone will get to play and have their moment. We have some tough matches coming up and we need to be fresh, both physically and mentally.”
Is the tactical aspect or team management more important?
“Both. It's important everywhere, but here at Madrid, because of the environment we're in and the demands that are placed on us, you have to be mentally strong and emotionally balanced to be able to compete. You have to possess a bit of both.”