Xabi Alonso: “My focus is on Real Madrid, not myself”

After a disappointing 2-1 defeat to Manchester City in the Champions League at the Santiago Bernabéu, Real Madrid coach Xabi Alonso addressed the media, emphasizing his commitment to the team. Alonso stated, “I’m focused on the next game. The important thing here is Real Madrid. It’s the team, the players and how I can help them. It’s not about me.”

The match, which saw Madrid take an early lead, quickly turned as City capitalized on two pivotal moments—a corner and a penalty—in just ten minutes. Reflecting on the game, Alonso expressed no regrets about his team’s effort, saying, “We tried until the end. We started well but conceded at crucial times. When the match was serious and competitive, we didn’t control those situations well.” Despite their attempts to equalize, Madrid lacked the finishing touch necessary to score more goals.

Analyzing the Defeat

Alonso acknowledged that injuries have impacted the squad’s stability, stating that “in a delicate situation… you find yourself a little less solid.” This vulnerability allowed Manchester City to exploit weaknesses and turn the match around swiftly. He remarked that in such high-stakes games, conceding even a little can be detrimental. “We had chances in the second half to score but didn’t manage it,” he added, highlighting the need for greater composure in front of goal.

Fan Reactions and Refereeing Decisions

The atmosphere in the stadium was mixed, with fans expressing frustration through boos at times but also offering applause for efforts made by the players. Alonso noted, “There have been moments of every kind of reaction… We’re not happy with our current run but I have nothing to reproach anyone for.” He also addressed concerns over refereeing decisions impacting the game, particularly regarding Courtois‘s treatment during City’s first goal. “The referee saw it that way and it was decisive,” he commented.

On a brighter note, Alonso praised Rodrygo’s performance after a challenging period without much playtime. “I’m very happy for him… he played very well and scored an important goal,” he said, emphasizing the importance of team spirit and fan support in overcoming adversity. As Madrid prepares for upcoming challenges, Alonso remains optimistic about turning their fortunes around.