Xabi Alonso addressed the media today, just a day before Real Madrid‘s Copa del Rey Round of 16 clash against Talavera. The Copa del Rey is always a unique competition, providing opportunities to face teams like Talavera, but it’s also notorious for its unpredictability. Alonso emphasized that his squad is treating this match with the same level of respect and preparation as any other. “We are ready,” he stated confidently.
As the team gears up for this knockout stage, Alonso highlighted the importance of preparation—tactically, physically, and mentally. “The conditions are different from what we are used to,” he noted, stressing that the right attitude will be crucial for success in this match. The Copa del Rey often brings surprises, and maintaining focus is key for a team aiming for victory.
Addressing Off-Field Issues
On another note, Alonso was asked about the ongoing Negreira affair. He reiterated the club’s stance, aligning with President Florentino Pérez’s position. “It is vital for the truth about what happened to come to light for the good of football,” he asserted, underlining a commitment to transparency in the sport.
Player Insights and Squad Dynamics
The situation surrounding young talent Endrick was also a topic of discussion. While he refrained from revealing too much about tactical decisions, Alonso confirmed that Endrick would be included in the squad for the match against Talavera. “We are not looking beyond Talavera right now; we have Sevilla coming up as well, and we need everyone on board,” he said, hinting at the player’s potential involvement in future matches.
When pressed about player engagement levels within the squad, Alonso responded with conviction. “From within, we’ve always fought for the same goals. There are ups and downs, but unity is fundamental.” He emphasized that understanding each other better within the squad has been a priority as they prepare for the upcoming fixtures. “We’re focusing on these next four days to finish strong before the break,” he added.
The topic of Kylian Mbappé’s remarkable scoring run also came up, particularly as he approaches Cristiano Ronaldo‘s record. Alonso dismissed any concerns regarding this pressure among players, stating that discussions about individual accolades do not dominate their preparations. “We always think about making the best decisions to field our strongest team for every match,” he remarked.
In terms of his relationship with club management, Alonso reassured fans that communication remains strong. “The situation has not changed; we maintain good dialogue,” he explained, emphasizing collective efforts towards common objectives.
As Real Madrid prepares to face Talavera tomorrow at Santiago Bernabéu, all eyes will be on how they navigate this critical stage of the Copa del Rey while keeping their ambitions alive.
Comments
0 comments
Sign in to comment