Xabi Alonso spoke to the media after Real Madrid’s 4-0 win over Valencia at the Santiago Bernabeu on Saturday night. He was asked about Alvaro Carreras’ performance, about which he said: “He’s very competitive,
does everything well, stays focused when the ball is out of reach, is strong in duels, and knows how to choose the right option. It’s great to have him with us.”
Alonso on the win
“It was a collective victory. The team played very well. We started with great energy. The lads wanted to keep that momentum going. We played with a lot of movement, good ball movement, pressing quickly after losing possession… The result went our way, and I’m very happy.
“I don’t know if it was perfect, but things went well. In the second half, we managed our minutes, because of Tuesday. We were dominating, we had a favorable result, and we had to be smart. Today, many things went well, but we don’t want to relax. We want to approach each match with the necessary mental preparation, and today, we did.“
Alonso on Fede Valverde at right-back
“We all see his level, how complete he is. With the ball, he has the soul of a midfielder, but physically he’s very powerful. Since he started playing, his level has been improving, he’s getting more comfortable in the position, and we know he’s a complete player. Because of our needs, he’s played there and he’s done well.”
Alonso on why he was annoyed after the missed penalty
“Because of the miss, because it was right before halftime and it could have been 3-0. Fortunately, Jude scored later. It was that frustration, the frustration of not making it 3-0. But it’s over now.”
Alonso on how many goals Mbappé can score
“Time will tell. What might happen in the next six months is just speculation. But you can definitely see Kylian’s knack for scoring. I don’t know how many he’ll score, but he’s going to score a lot. I have that feeling.”
Alonso on Jude Bellingham’s positioning
“His position is one thing, but what happens to him is another. We have to find him in effective positions. The position for his goal today was a very good one for him. How to get him there… that’s what we’re working on. When we find him there, in that link-up, he’s more decisive. But he also has the quality to drop back, if necessary.”
Alonso on whether that’s the defense he would always start
“Always the same players in a single season is impossible. But the team needs to have a clear understanding of the concepts. We’ll have Alaba back soon, and Rüdiger is still a little short, but he’ll be fine for the next phase. This provides competitive and tactical quality. It allows us to choose what we want. And then… clear concepts. Little by little.“
Alonso on whether Mbappé’s Real Madrid’s only penalty taker
“Not unique… We assign, and he’s first. But then, decisions are made.”
Alonso on Mbappé’s missed attempt at a hat-trick
“Well, he’s scored two more and is maintaining a good average to compete at the end of the season. And then, another three points, a good average to fight for championships. I’m happy with the moment, and also with not conceding. It was a complete, serious match, with very good energy. We started dynamically, with a lot of movement and taking the lead. We could have scored more, but overall, it was a complete game.”
Alonso on their defense
“It’s fundamental. To win championships, you have to defend well, keep a lot of clean sheets. We start by defending high up the pitch. When you have lines that are involved in the defensive work, things are much more comfortable. Everyone has been very connected.”
