In his first pre-match press conference of 2026, Real Madrid coach Xabi Alonso insisted that the team would seek to continue improving, while also hinting at possible transfer business as he said, “I work
with the foundation we have, with the squad we have, and it’s my job to get the most out of it. We’re still in the process, with good moments and not-so-good moments. And we’re always looking to improve, without naming names.”
Xabi Alonso on the game against Real Betis
“After a week’s break, we’re eager to get back to competition and tackle the second half of the season with enthusiasm, excitement, and freshness. We want to play well and win.”
Xabi Alonso on whether he sees Rodrygo on the right wing
“Rodrygo can play in any of the three forward positions. He finished the year in very good form. He played some very good games at the end of the year and we had a great feeling about him. We need him, like everyone else. We have different options to replace Kylian and Rodrygo is one of them.”
Xabi Alonso on whether he wants new signings
“It’s our duty to always be on the lookout, although we’re happy with the squad.”
Xabi Alonso on Dani Carvajal being back in training
“He was able to train for the entire session. We’ll decide on the squad list tomorrow morning. In every club, players who carry weight in the locker room, not only because of what they bring to the field, but also because they know how to deal with difficult moments, are necessary. Carva is one of them. His personality and influence on the team is huge. We would have liked to have him around for these two months and now help him get back to his best physical condition to help the team. But just having him around helps.”
Xabi Alonso on how long Kylian Mbappé will be out
“We’re going to push the deadlines, it’s a lot about feelings. When is as soon as possible? That’s the question. I don’t know. Super Cup? We hope so…”
Xabi Alonso on Endrick’s departure to Lyon
“Endrick, at this stage in his career, needs to play, and I understand why he made that decision and why the club has invested in his development and experience in a league like the French one. Real Madrid does very well with players who leave the team to grow and then come back.”
Xabi Alonso on whether the Kylian Mbappé injury is bad luck
“After every game, we assess the situation and make decisions. Now we’ll see. We have to see how things develop and we’ll do everything we can to get him back as soon as possible.”
Xabi Alonso on Vinícius Júnior
“Vini looks fine to me, cheerful, smiling. The break has been good for all of us to recharge our batteries. Tomorrow, we’re the ones who have to give in order to receive, to spread that enthusiasm and rhythm that we need. If that flows in both directions, we’ll enjoy ourselves.”
Xabi Alonso on the winter break
“It was good, I went home and enjoyed being with my family and friends in San Sebastián.”
Xabi Alonso on Dean Huijsen’s fitness
“He was feeling some discomfort and we wanted to be a little cautious. We’ll decide tomorrow.”
Xabi Alonso on replacing Kylian Mbappé well in the Club World Cup
“It was a bit flexible, we didn’t change that much, but with the players we had… you have to find the best way to fit the pieces together and we performed well. We’ll definitely miss Kylian. We have to have a lot of confidence in those who are going to play tomorrow.”
Xabi Alonso on whether it’s difficult to convince a player to stop
“Dealing with ambitious players is always easy, and then my job is to make decisions and take responsibility for them.”
Xabi Alonso on whether it would have been better to wait to confirm Endrick’s loan
“We can’t just focus on the short term, but also on the medium term and when the talks take place. The decision has been made and there’s no going back. We’ll approach the Super Cup with a lot of confidence in the players we have.”
