Real Madrid coach Xabi Alonso addressed the media in Jeddah ahead of the Spanish Super Cup semi-final against Atlético Madrid and played down any hangover from the 5-2 defeat last time the two teams met as he said, “tomorrow we will undoubtedly try to play a different game, but I think we mustn’t forget the things we lacked in that game, which we are very aware of and which were very clear. Tomorrow we mustn’t make the same mistakes again and we must play at a higher level than we did. But tomorrow will be
a different story. I’m convinced that the team will show another side, another energy, another level, and it will be a competitive game”.
Xabi Alonso on the importance of the match
“It’s a semi-final. We have to be mentally prepared, compete and pay attention to the details. Atlético Madrid are always a tough opponent tomorrow, but we have many reasons to play this match with a lot of energy and enthusiasm. It’s the first title we’re competing for this season and, for that very reason, it’s the most important one.”
Xabi Alonso on lessons learned from the previous derby
“I think every match has to be analysed, but all defeats, if anything, can teach us more positive lessons. As I said to your colleague earlier, there are things we don’t want to repeat from that match, things that we obviously took away from it, but I’m very convinced that it’s going to be different. We mustn’t forget the things that didn’t work well either.”
Xabi Alonso on Kylian Mbappé’s situation
“It depends on the moment, you have to assess the situation, decisions are made and right now we are here. We hope to have him back as soon as possible. We’ve pushed hard, but this match has come too soon and now what’s on our minds is tomorrow’s semi-final and winning it to play in the final on Sunday.”
Xabi Alonso on the importance of the Super Cup
“Two things are very clear. As it’s the tournament we’re playing in over the next four days, it’s the most important one. If you ask me about the order of priorities for the season, it’s fourth. If you ask the other three coaches, they might agree, but as it’s the one we have over the next four days, it’s the absolute priority. We’re really looking forward to tomorrow and we need to play well.”
Defensive commitment
“It’s essential that everyone presses, and I demand during training and during matches that everyone is committed when we don’t have the ball, both those up front and those in defence, that they are active, that the lines are tight. That commitment and that desire to want to play in that moment, and even enjoy it, will make us more competitive.”
Xabi Alonso on the team’s development since the last derby
“Things evolve and change during the season. There are players who were in that match, such as Éder Militão, for example, who we won’t be able to have. We don’t take it as a total reference, but there are things we have to analyse that are important for tomorrow.”
Xabi Alonso on his message after the match against Sevilla
“It wasn’t meant to be given any greater importance, it wasn’t a message. It was just to say stay calm or enjoy yourselves, it didn’t have any greater meaning. It was just something to close the last press conference. I didn’t want to say anything special.”
Xabi Alonso on Vinicius’ situation
“There’s a long season ahead and many important matches, and Vinicius is going to be important, we need him. Tomorrow we need him at his best, connected with the team, enjoying himself when he’s on the pitch, because he has that ability to make a difference. We have to find him. These are moments, we have to all stick together and Vinicius is fundamental for us.”
Xabi Alonso on Dani Carvajal’s condition
“He’s better for tomorrow and, if he’s needed, he could play a bit. He’s been injured for a while and we have to respect the steps because there are still a lot of games left.”
Xabi Alonso on midfield performance
“Everything is a process: when we don’t have the ball, how the forwards help to make the ball a little dirtier for the defence, and when we have it, how it gets a little cleaner from the defence to the front. Those midfield connections are fundamental, they are the ones who participate the most and are closest to everything. We have different profiles and different qualities, and we’ll see tomorrow.”
Xabi Alonso on managing the season
“During the season, you have moments for everything and you have to make decisions. Unfortunately, in November and December we were in a difficult phase, with many players out. We didn’t have many options to choose from in some positions and, after the evolution, we are now developing as we are. Right now we are in a position to fight for everything. In four days we are fighting for our first title and we’ll see how it goes.”
Xabi Alonso on support for players and the club’s demands
“We work every day so that when a player is struggling, we can help them. It’s a very demanding club, but we know that what we represent is the pride we have and the privilege of defending this badge. The players see it that way, and we’re here to help.”
