After securing a hard-fought victory against Sevilla in their last match of the year, Real Madrid manager Xabi Alonso addressed the media, emphasizing the need for improvement within his squad. The coach acknowledged the team’s current form, stating, “We know where we are right now. We’re self-critical and know we need to play better; this isn’t our level, and we can do better.” Despite the win, Alonso recognized that the performance fell short of expectations.
This victory marks an important moment for Real Madrid as they close out 2024, a year filled with ups and downs. The squad has shown resilience, but Alonso is clear that the priority remains consistent improvement. “Some things haven’t gone as planned,” he reflected. “Considering where we came from and these victories… now we need to follow that up with improvement.” With the new year approaching, he aims for a fresh start in 2025.
Analyzing the Sevilla Match
Reflecting on the match against Sevilla, Alonso noted the difficulties faced throughout the game. “We had to win. It was a tough situation,” he said. The team struggled at times but ultimately secured three points that could prove crucial in their pursuit of success this season. The manager indicated that further analysis of the game is necessary to identify areas for tactical adjustments moving forward.
Addressing Fan Reactions and Team Dynamics
One notable moment during the match was the mixed reaction from fans towards Vinícius Júnior. Alonso addressed this by stating, “The fans are free to express their opinions, but it was a tough match.” He emphasized his appreciation for the team’s efforts despite recent absences due to injury. “With these absences, we’ll use this time to rest and come back strong,” he added.
In discussing team dynamics, Alonso highlighted the need for a shift in how they approach matches without possession. “When we don’t have the ball, we have to change the rhythm and be more direct,” he explained. The team has been pushing themselves hard, with players like Federico Valverde and Eduardo Camavinga stepping up amid challenges.
Alonso also took a moment to congratulate Kylian Mbappé on his recent goalscoring record, stating it was a historic achievement and wishing him well for 2026. He acknowledged that injuries have impacted their squad depth significantly this season. “There are many factors; the heavy workload means a higher risk of injury,” he noted. “It happened with Militão recently, for example.”
As he looks ahead to 2025, Alonso expressed a pragmatic outlook: “I’m not one to ask for things; I’m prepared for whatever comes.” This mindset may be essential as Real Madrid aims to reclaim its status among Europe’s elite clubs.
The challenge remains clear for Real Madrid: can they elevate their performances in 2025 and live up to their storied legacy?
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