After a frustrating 0-0 stalemate against Rayo Vallecano, Real Madrid‘s head coach, Xabi Alonso, took to the media to address the growing criticism surrounding his team. He expressed his concerns about the need for continuous growth and improvement, emphasizing the importance of being “positively self-critical” and “constructively self-critical.” Alonso stated, “This is Real Madrid; we all know where we are and what we want. It’s still November, and there’s a long way to go. We must hold ourselves to high standards while also being measured in our approach.”
The match against Rayo was anticipated to be challenging, a sentiment echoed by Alonso. “We were ready for a demanding encounter,” he noted, recalling similar struggles from past seasons in Vallecas. “Getting ahead on the scoreboard has always been tough here. Rayo puts you under pressure, especially in the second half. It turned into a game of transitions where we struggled to find the breakthrough.” The coach acknowledged that while the defensive unit performed well under pressure, the attacking front failed to capitalize on their chances.
Assessing Emotional Resilience
When questioned about the emotional toll of their recent Champions League match at Anfield, Alonso dismissed any lingering effects. “Today was a new game, distinct from what happened at Anfield. We aimed to play our usual style in Vallecas but faced difficulties in executing our game plan.” He maintained that emotional peaks should not dictate their performance, reiterating that stability in preparation and mentality is crucial as La Liga unfolds on a match-by-match basis.
Intensity and Tactical Adjustments
Alonso reflected on the intensity during the match, stating, “We didn’t win every duel, but we were competitive throughout.” He praised his defenders for their resilience against Rayo’s transitional play while expressing disappointment at their inability to convert opportunities into goals. The chaotic nature of the second half led to a lack of control in their attacks, leaving Alonso pondering tactical adjustments moving forward.
Addressing concerns about squad depth due to injuries to key forwards like Endrick and Gonzalo, he reassured fans that other capable players were available to create threats. On the fitness of Fede Valverde and Trent Alexander-Arnold, Alonso clarified their situations: “Fede had a minor issue but was fit before the game. Trent needs more time for recovery after his injury.”
As for momentum compared to their strong season start, Alonso remained optimistic. “We began this season with our full squad and have focused on each match since then,” he explained. The coach knows that balancing expectations amid pressure is vital as they navigate through a demanding campaign ahead.
In light of the current situation, Alonso’s steady approach reflects a commitment to resilience and improvement as Real Madrid continues its quest for glory this season.
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