Xabi Alonso: “We must quickly turn the page after defeat”

Real Madrid manager Xabi Alonso expressed his frustration following the team’s 2-0 defeat to Celta Vigo on Sunday night. The loss was a bitter pill to swallow for the squad, particularly due to an early injury to Éder Militão, which derailed their game plan. “We are all angry; it was not the match we wanted, nor the result,” Alonso stated, reflecting the disappointment that permeated the locker room. He emphasized that the injury to Militão had a significant impact on their performance, stating, “From the beginning, that injury hurt us, and we had a hard time recomposing ourselves.”

The coach acknowledged the need for rapid recovery, noting, “It’s only three points; there’s still a lot of league left.” He urged his players to shift their focus towards their upcoming Champions League match on Wednesday, where they hope to erase the sour taste of this defeat. “We must show another face on Wednesday,” he added.

Intensity and Tactical Adjustments

Alonso critiqued his team’s intensity during the match, admitting it fell short of expectations. “The game we raised to play with good pace and pressing against a good opponent was missing,” he explained. He pointed out that the injury to Militão disrupted their tactical setup. “It has been difficult for us to react; we almost reacted when we were playing with 10 men,” he remarked. The coach took responsibility for the outcome, emphasizing that everyone must share accountability during challenging times.

Referee Decisions and Future Outlook

The manager also addressed controversial refereeing decisions that affected the match’s flow. “We were unhinged by the referee’s decision,” Alonso said, criticizing the lack of attention given to time-wasting by Celta Vigo. He mentioned a specific card issued to Carreras as “very debatable” and expressed dissatisfaction with how those calls impacted his team’s rhythm. Despite these challenges, Alonso is keen on maintaining a forward-looking perspective: “We have to look forward with pride and responsibility.”

Alonso also discussed player availability, specifically mentioning Franco Mastantuono‘s recovery from pubalgia and how it has limited squad depth. “Franco is regaining his form; he must train more,” he said, indicating that tactical decisions will continue to be made based on player readiness.

As Real Madrid prepares for their next fixture, Alonso remains focused on improving their ability to break down low blocks from opponents. “We have to prepare for it and generate more opportunities,” he noted. The upcoming matches are crucial as they aim to regain momentum in both La Liga and Europe.

The defeat stings, but Alonso remains resolute: “There is a long way to go in this season.” With every game worth three points, he knows that each match presents an opportunity for redemption. The pressure is now on his squad to respond positively against Manchester City in their next outing.