Xabi Alonso: “We had the composure, confidence and maturity to turn the result around”
“Mbappé's goals are crucial, but his personality, leadership and influence every day are intangible assets when it comes to building a team and creating connection and unity,” said the coach.
Xabi Alonso spoke in the press room at the Georgios Karaiskakis Stadium to analyse the match against Olympiacos. The Real Madrid coach had this to say: “I want to focus on the most important thing, which is the three points. We wanted to win to improve our position in the table. We now have 12 points and have broken our three-match winless run. We weren't feeling good. The match had all kinds of moments. We started well and were behind after eight minutes, but we had the composure, confidence and maturity to turn the result around. They pressed hard at the end and we needed to adjust and have longer possessions. The match is over now and I'm pleased with the three points. Now, we have to focus on the League.”
“We have to improve in every area. We need to tighten up when the opposition puts pressure on us and stick together more. There were moments in the first half when we played really well, and we have to focus on that. We'll improve on the rest because we need that defensive solidity and to combine it with the attacking qualities we've shown. Today we had to win, and we did it. We've broken the pattern, and we want to do the same in the League.”
40 goals this season and 22 from Mbappé
“He’s very important. His goals are crucial, but his personality, leadership and influence every day are intangible assets when it comes to building a team and creating connection and unity. Goals are his natural talent.”
Praise for Vini Jr.
“I'm really disappointed about the disallowed goal because it was a move we had discussed and it would've provided him with a boost if he'd scored. It was a typical goal for him, cutting in from the wing and curling it into the far corner. I'd like to highlight his connection with Kylian, his two assists and the impact he had. Overall, with the difficulties we had because Eduardo (Camavinga) couldn't continue at half-time and Raúl (Asencio) had hamstring discomfort, we came away with positives such as Kylian's goals and the performances of Vin Jr. and other players who also did very well.”
The build-up to the game
“The last few hours and since we arrived yesterday were very positive and productive, helping us to continue growing and trying to break the mould. We achieved that and they taught us how to deal with difficult moments. The things we talked about were very positive, as was the unity and commitment of the players. I'll take that away with me, apart from the three points, and the positive things that occurred within the team.”
Has a weight been lifted off his shoulders?
“Nothing has changed for me. I took it more calmly than you might expect. I'm no novice at this, and I know it's a long road ahead. There's no need to go crazy. You have to be demanding of yourself, but you also have to remember that there's always another match coming up and look ahead.”
Olympiacos
"I'm not surprised. We've seen what a good team they are. They deserve a lot of credit. I salute Mendilibar and Olympiacos. They have a lot of quality and great team spirit."
Could this victory be a turning point?
“We'll see. Time will tell. We've had good feelings and we've shared things. We got what we wanted in a tough situation with the injuries we had and what happened during the match. We'll take that and this is football. Now we have a visit to Girona and then Bilbao. The calendar means we're playing six away games, which doesn't happen very often. We'll deal with it.”
Lunin
“He has great personality and is always prepared. He's proven that throughout his career, and we have a lot of confidence in him. He plays the role of always being ready when needed very well. It's a shame he conceded three goals, but he conveyed a lot of calm and confidence. We're counting on him when needed, and he'll play."