Just days after a commanding victory against Athletic Club at San Mamés, Real Madrid is set to return to the Santiago Bernabéu to face Celta de Vigo, marking the team’s first home game in over a month. Ahead of this crucial clash, Xabi Alonso addressed the media, discussing his players’ recent performances, their readiness for the Galician side, and the remarkable form of Kylian Mbappé.
In his press conference, Alonso emphasized the importance of building on their recent success. “We aim for a strong performance from Real Madrid, a complete match,” he stated. “Our goal is to approach this game with a positive mindset, continuing from our display in Bilbao. That’s what we’ve focused on in training.” The team is eager to maintain momentum as they look to solidify their position in LaLiga.
Defensive Decisions Ahead of Celta Clash
Alonso also addressed the potential return of Federico Valverde to a defensive role. “We need to evaluate our options carefully,” he explained. “Fede has always prioritized the team’s needs and has performed admirably in that position. However, we have other alternatives we can consider.” The coach acknowledged Valverde’s past performances in key matches against teams like Barcelona and Juventus, highlighting his versatility and commitment to the club’s values.
Building on Momentum from Bilbao
The coach was pleased with the team’s performance against Athletic Club, describing it as “a good match—balanced and complete.” He expressed optimism about capitalizing on this form, stating, “We want to win more matches and aim for the best possible ranking because we need to be where we belong come April and May. Consistency is crucial in LaLiga.” This focus on regularity will be vital as they navigate the season ahead.
Alonso also praised Vinícius Júnior‘s current state, noting that he is performing exceptionally well both personally and professionally. “It’s unfortunate he hasn’t scored recently,” he remarked, referring to missed opportunities in Greece and Bilbao. “But seeing him smile brings energy to the team. It’s essential for him to maintain this positive mindset, and I hope he can translate it into goals tomorrow.”
Comparing Legends: Mbappé and Ronaldo
When asked about Kylian Mbappé’s impact at Real Madrid compared to Cristiano Ronaldo‘s legacy, Alonso drew parallels between the two players. “Kylian is on his way to making history here just like Cristiano did,” he asserted. “His ambition and statistics place him among a select few. Working with him daily is a pleasure; his desire to influence others and infectious energy are qualities he shares with Cristiano.” This comparison underscores Mbappé’s growing significance within the squad.
In light of recent injury challenges faced by the team, Alonso assured fans that efforts are underway to expedite recoveries. “We are doing everything possible for our injured players to return quickly,” he stated. “We must navigate these difficult phases effectively and aim to regain our competitiveness as soon as possible.”
On Güler’s development amidst struggles, Alonso highlighted his adaptability: “He can play at various heights and influence games based on our needs. He’s capable of orchestrating play or arriving late in the box.” The coach emphasized the importance of investing in Güler’s growth given his exceptional talent.
As Real Madrid prepares for their upcoming fixture against Celta de Vigo, Alonso remains focused on fostering consistency within his squad—an essential ingredient for success in LaLiga. With key players like Mbappé leading the charge, fans will be eagerly anticipating what unfolds at the Bernabéu this Sunday.
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