Real Madrid‘s head coach, Xabi Alonso, addressed the media ahead of their crucial La Liga clash against Elche this Sunday. With a fresh block of matches on the horizon, Alonso expressed his determination, stating, “Everything remains the same; we are eager to tackle these important games in both La Liga and the Champions League. We will need everyone.”
As the team prepares for a demanding schedule, questions about criticism towards him and the squad arose. Alonso remained unfazed, asserting, “We know where we stand and the expectations that come with it. We take things as they come and don’t give undue importance to outside opinions.” The coach also provided insight into the team’s physical condition, acknowledging the rigorous nature of their current calendar. “I don’t assess our physical state at this moment. We’re in a highly demanding phase with numerous matches in quick succession. The physical data is improving, but we must manage injuries carefully,” he explained, hinting at hopes to shorten Éder Militão‘s recovery time.
Preparing for Elche
The match against newly promoted Elche promises to be challenging. “The atmosphere will be against us, but our preparation remains unchanged,” Alonso noted. He highlighted the significance of squad depth, particularly mentioning players like Trent and Fede Valverde. “This break allowed us to get Trent back into shape while Fede continues to work hard. This opens up options for us,” he said. Additionally, he mentioned that Militão had experience playing as a full-back for Brazil, showcasing the versatility within his squad.
Courtois’ Impact and Rüdiger’s Return
A key topic during the press conference was Thibaut Courtois‘ impact on the team. Alonso praised his goalkeeper’s performances, stating, “Courtois has had memorable saves at crucial moments over recent seasons. It’s not just about his skills; it’s also his communication that makes him a pillar of our defense.” On the subject of Antonio Rüdiger’s fitness, Alonso confirmed he would not feature against Elche but emphasized his importance to the squad when fit: “Given his performances and character, having Rüdiger available is beneficial.”
Alonso also tackled concerns regarding scoring alternatives when Kylian Mbappé isn’t on target. “This is an issue that concerns the entire team; it’s not just about Mbappé. We’ve analyzed our situation thoroughly; it’s fundamentally a team matter,” he concluded.
As Real Madrid gears up for this pivotal encounter against Elche, questions linger about their ability to adapt under pressure and find scoring solutions beyond their star players. Can they rise to the occasion?
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