Xabi Alonso: “In football, nothing surprises me anymore

Real Madrid‘s head coach, Xabi Alonso, faced the media ahead of a crucial La Liga clash against Deportivo Alavés in Vitoria. The Basque manager exuded calmness and confidence during the press conference, despite the pressure surrounding his position. With a challenging run of results, Alonso is acutely aware that a negative outcome could jeopardize his role at the club.

“What kind of Real Madrid do you want to see tomorrow?” he posed rhetorically, before emphasizing the depth and talent within his squad. “Despite our absences, we have enough quality to field a competitive eleven that will give their all. The desire and commitment to win will be evident. This match is pivotal, especially with the upcoming international break looming.” Alonso reassured fans that regardless of who starts, each player will strive for excellence on the pitch.

Positive Signs Ahead of Matchday

Alonso provided an update on star forward Kylian Mbappé, stating, “He is doing well; we are recovering him. We will decide tomorrow if he plays.” This news comes as a relief for both fans and teammates alike, as Mbappé’s presence could be crucial in turning the tide for Los Blancos. When asked if he feels the weight of the match on his shoulders, Alonso reiterated his focus on the collective: “For me, the most important thing is the team and the club. Tomorrow’s game is crucial given our current situation. We want to reverse our fortunes.”

Learning from Past Defeats

The coach reflected on their recent loss to Manchester City, admitting that while they cannot celebrate defeat, there were numerous positives to take away from that match. “We have analyzed our performance thoroughly. It’s over now, but we identified elements that can aid us in future encounters. And that future starts tomorrow.” He acknowledged the challenges faced throughout his tenure but maintained a resilient attitude: “I have been in football long enough; nothing surprises me anymore. These situations arise and must be faced with responsibility.”

Alonso concluded by affirming his ongoing dialogue with club president Florentino Pérez and other officials, indicating a united front as they navigate this critical juncture in their campaign. With the stakes high and expectations even higher, Real Madrid aims to emerge victorious against Alavés and build momentum before the international break.