Xabi Alonso arrived earlier than usual for the press conference this Friday, addressing the media ahead of Real Madrid‘s clash with Valencia on Saturday. The coach emphasized the importance of maintaining momentum after a strong week, as the team gears up for two La Liga matches and a Champions League encounter. “We want to finish this series on a high note, and it all starts tomorrow against Valencia,” he stated.
When asked about Vinicius Jr., Alonso expressed satisfaction with the player’s conduct following a recent meeting. “Vinicius was impeccable; he spoke honestly and behaved well. For me, the matter is closed,” he asserted, dismissing the need for any disciplinary action. He praised Vinicius’s heartfelt comments during the meeting, highlighting their positive impact on team morale.
Camavinga’s Role in El Clásico
The tactical decisions surrounding Eduardo Camavinga‘s inclusion in the starting lineup for El Clásico were also discussed. “We knew it was one of our strengths that we could utilize, not just as a one-off strategy,” Alonso explained. He noted that while other players will have their chances in future matches, Camavinga’s performance against Barcelona was crucial given the context. “It worked well both tactically and morally; that’s foundational for our success,” he added.
Looking Ahead to Valencia
Alonso made it clear that his focus remains solely on Valencia despite recent discussions surrounding Kylian Mbappé and Vinicius Jr.’s situations. “I think I’ve provided enough explanations regarding Vinicius. The subject was closed on Wednesday, and now we are focused on Valencia,” he reiterated. He acknowledged Valencia’s potential threat, recalling their previous victory at the Bernabéu last season. “We must be vigilant as they have shown they can be competitive,” he warned.
Addressing the significance of the recent Clásico win, Alonso acknowledged its boost to team confidence but urged his players to remain grounded. “We discussed its importance before the match; however, we must forget it now and treat every game with the same seriousness. If we relax our preparation, we risk dropping points,” he cautioned.
On whether he has reviewed footage from El Clásico, Alonso confirmed he had and noted that many of their pre-match strategies were executed effectively. “The team displayed great solidity and motivation,” he reflected, emphasizing that when they are strong, they take initiative on the pitch.
Managing Player Workloads
Alonso also touched upon player management, particularly regarding Vinicius Jr.’s focus amid contract talks. “I find him very concentrated and motivated; his recent performance was excellent,” he remarked. He further elaborated on managing Kylian Mbappé’s minutes: “I am always concerned about player workloads; it’s vital not to overexert them.” He confirmed ongoing assessments will dictate how they proceed with Mbappé’s involvement in upcoming fixtures.
Lastly, Alonso addressed concerns about injuries within his squad, particularly concerning Dani Carvajal‘s recovery timeline after sustaining an injury. “We expected him back soon, but now it seems he will be out for seven to eight weeks,” he confirmed, expressing hope for his swift return.
As Real Madrid prepares for this crucial match against Valencia, Alonso remains focused on maintaining team cohesion and ensuring every player is ready to contribute effectively.
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