Xabi Alonso addressed the media following Real Madrid‘s emphatic 4-0 victory over Valencia at the Santiago Bernabéu on Saturday night, highlighting the contributions of Álvaro Carreras. The coach commended Carreras for his competitive spirit and versatility on the pitch, stating, “He’s very competitive, does everything well, stays focused when the ball is out of reach, is strong in duels, and knows how to choose the right option. It’s great to have him with us.”
Alonso reflected on the match as a collective triumph, noting that his players displayed remarkable energy from the outset. “The lads wanted to keep that momentum going. We played with a lot of movement, good ball movement, pressing quickly after losing possession. The result went our way, and I’m very happy,” he said. While he acknowledged that perfection was elusive, he praised his team’s ability to manage their minutes effectively in the second half, especially with an eye on their upcoming fixture.
Defensive Versatility and Tactical Adaptations
Alonso also provided insights into Fede Valverde’s performance at right-back. “We all see his level, how complete he is. With the ball, he has the soul of a midfielder, but physically he’s very powerful,” he noted. Valverde’s adaptability has been crucial for the team as they navigate a demanding schedule, with Alonso expressing confidence in his growing comfort in that role.
The coach did express frustration regarding a missed penalty just before halftime that could have extended their lead to 3-0. “It was that frustration of not making it 3-0. Fortunately, Jude scored later,” Alonso remarked, emphasizing the importance of maintaining focus even amid missed opportunities.
Future Prospects and Player Performance
When asked about Kylian Mbappé’s scoring potential this season, Alonso remained coy but optimistic. “Time will tell… But you can definitely see Kylian’s knack for scoring. I don’t know how many he’ll score, but he’s going to score a lot,” he stated, hinting at Mbappé’s significant role in their title ambitions.
Alonso also touched on Jude Bellingham‘s positioning within the squad. He emphasized the need to find Bellingham in effective areas where he can be most impactful: “The position for his goal today was very good for him. How to get him there… that’s what we’re working on.” This focus on tactical positioning reflects Alonso’s commitment to maximizing player strengths.
In discussing defensive strategies, Alonso highlighted their approach as fundamental to championship success: “To win championships, you have to defend well and keep a lot of clean sheets.” He pointed out that starting from a high defensive line allows players to remain engaged and connected throughout the match.
As Real Madrid continues its campaign with confidence after this commanding win, fans are left wondering if they can sustain this level of performance moving forward. With key players returning from injury and a solid tactical foundation in place, Alonso seems determined to keep pushing his squad toward greater heights.
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