Xabi Alonso: “Anyone can be a starter”
Ahead of his first La Liga away game in charge of Real Madrid, coach Xabi Alonso was asked about the concerning form of Brazilian winger Vinícius Júnior. Alonso responded that, “I said the other day that the context of the World Cup is a little different, now we’ve only played one game and the statistics have to be taken with a pinch of salt,” as he played down the concerns. He added that, “all the players are important and I’m counting on them, and since I make the squad list, anyone can be a starter”.Xabi Alonso on the game against Real Oviedo“I’m sure it’s a special game for Oviedo and its fans. Now it’s our turn, and for us it’s also very important to keep growing away from home, to be competitive, to keep performing well no matter where we play. It’s the third week since we started, but we’re looking forward to tomorrow’s game.”Xabi Alonso on Franco Mastantuono’s chances of starting“I saw him play well the other day. He had a good impact, good energy. As he’s in the squad, he has a chance to play like everyone else.”Xabi Alonso on Santi Cazorla“I haven’t spoken to him because I’ve been more focused on the game, on us. I have great memories of him, as a player and a teammate. At Euro 2008, all of us who were there created a great team spirit. You can see how much people love him, and then, football-wise, he’s an exceptional player. I’m very happy for everything he’s done, he’s back home and enjoying being a role model in Oviedo.”Xabi Alonso on using markers on the training pitch“For tactical work, line work... They organize us and give us references. These are things I’ve used since I started coaching, and they help us on a daily basis. I’ve always done it this way, and I’m doing it the same way here.”Xabi Alonso on Rodrygo Goes only starting his first game in charge“For me, the season has started, and so has my time here. We’ve only played one game. All decisions about playing and selecting the starting 11 are mine and mine alone. I talk to many players and I’ve talked to Rodrygo too, of course.”Xabi Alonso on free-kick takers“We haven’t been able to work too much yet, but there are players who have a lot of quality: Arda, Trent, Mastantuono, Kylian... We still have things to do, but I don’t decide on the small details. We do have quite a few options.”Xabi Alonso on whether the squad is final“I’m happy with the squad we have, but you always have to be prepared.”Xabi Alonso on Franco Mastantuono’s best position“He can play both in defense and as an attacking midfielder. At River, he often played as a number 10. He has the quality to play in both positions. He has that mobility, that ability to link up with those around him.”Xabi Alonso on where Jude Bellingham will fit in“You have to adapt. No one is going to play every minute; everyone will have their role.”“I haven’t spoken to him, but I focus on the player and I think Franco is doing well. He’s getting on well with his teammates and it seems like he’s been here longer than he has. I see him with a smile on his face.Xabi Alonso on the noise surrounding Vinícius’ form“I think he’s doing well. We’re only at the beginning of the season. We’re just getting started. Everyone is eager to have a good year and they’re all in a good frame of mind. That’s essential.”Xabi Alonso on his preferred system“We talk a lot about the game, about how we can improve. With few games, you have little information, and we have to keep analyzing. There are profiles for playing different systems, having a clear idea and knowing why we want to do things. We can be flexible.”Xabi Alonso on Barcelona’s level“I’m not worried about anything. I’m concerned about my level, how we’re doing. Every week we’re going to be able to get better and grow as a team.”Xabi Alonso on getting the most out of Kylian Mbappé“No, I’m going to try to help him and for him to help the team win games. He’s a fundamental part of the team. How well the pieces fit together will be one of the keys to the season in order to play as a team.”
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