Xabi Alonso spoke to the media after Real Madrid’s 3-0 win over Real Oviedo on Sunday. Kylian Mbappe scored twice in a great performance, and Alonso talked about his physicality. He said: “He’s gained four kilos back. He had lost four at the World Championships. He looks good; I love watching him do those laps. When we manage to maintain those distances, everyone closer to each other, we find each other. He did very well today, and the other day too. We’re still looking at what to correct, but the feeling
is good.”
Alonso on the match
“I analyze the victory from the perspective of the game. Oviedo was closed. In the second half, we fell off a bit because Oviedo stepped up. We made some steals from our defense, we ran things through. But it was a very serious, complete game. With and without the ball. We played as a team. And Vini came in very well for those two goals that calmed us down. There will be games for everyone.”
Alonso on Dani Carvajal
“I think Carva would like to return. It’s the manager’s decision. I’m happy he’s feeling better, and he needs more time. He’s played Carva-style, making sense of everything, very stable. I hope he goes, and if not, he’ll return.“
Alonso on Vinicius Jr coming off the bench
“The substitutions from game to game depend on what we need in terms of workload and opponent. I haven’t made any decisions for next month. It’s important for people to feel important, ready, and ready for the next game. It’s important to maintain a stable performance as a team. It was a game to see that we continue to grow. After Tuesday against Osasuna, we’ve grown today, and we want to continue like this.
“Everyone is different, and you have to demand respect, and the relationship is a little different. In football, decisions are made with the team in mind; you have to understand things, and that was the case today.”
Alonso on rotation
“We have 20-something players on the roster, and I’ll try to get the best out of them to have the best team possible. Vinicius was important today, and my intention is for everyone to contribute. That will be the theme for the entire year.”
Alonso on Rodrygo
“He played a good game. They link up well on that side. He had a few shots, and it was difficult to find openings with Oviedo so deep. I liked it. We need everyone, and Rodrygo is just another one.“
Alonso on Franco Mastantuono
“Franco had a great game. In a short time, he’s connected with the group and seems very integrated. He’ll give us a lot. He has great energy and a great left foot. He’ll only continue to improve within the group dynamic. Santi’s jersey is very much in demand.“
Alonso on Antonio Rudiger
“Of all the players I have, I have to get the most out of them. And Rüdiger is very stable. It’s great to have players like that. Militao played 90 minutes after a long injury, and we have to take care of him. Rüdiger is very reliable.“
Alonso on Santi Cazorla
“That’s a bit of a stretch, but I was a little moved. I know what he’s going through. The atmosphere was spectacular, and when the players were about to go out onto the field, they were saying it was beautiful, that they were going to get into it.“
