Xabi Alonso: “We’re very lucky to have Thibaut Courtois in goal”

Real Madrid manager Xabi Alonso spoke to the media after their 3-2 win over Borussia Dortmund on Saturday night. He was asked about Thibaut Courtois after his match-winning save, to which he said: “I thought we’re very lucky to have Courtois in goal. He’s one of those who wins games, he’s a great influence, and we can trust him.”

Alonso on the match

“We controlled the game well until the 80th minute. Some phases with the ball, others without, but controlling the space. And at times we had a chance to score the third, until it got unsettled. Too much happened in a short time. We’re celebrating reaching the semi-finals; maybe it’ll help us be on our toes next time.”

Alonso on Aurelien Tchouameni’s role

“We wanted Aurélien to interpret the heights well. He did very well and made sense of the ball. We didn’t have too many problems. Overall, we were pretty stable. In the first 20 minutes, we were in control. Then we needed to have longer possessions. We conceded too much. The changes gave us something, and we regained control. But in the end, it was bam bam bam, and everything went haywire.”

Alonso on improvements

“We’ve settled in. We’re playing more in the opposition half. We had the chance with Arda and Luka for the 3-0. And I’ve already said it, not just the starters, but also the ones who come on can be decisive, and they’ve done well.”

Alonso on Arda Guler’s role

“I think he did it. In the first half, he joined the center backs, and in the second, he was a good partner . He has a good footwork, a good shot, and is dangerous there. We all have to help him. He’ll have some things to improve, but you improve by playing.”

Alonso on decision-making

“I’m doing what I need to be doing. Sometimes it goes well, sometimes it doesn’t. That’s what decision-making is all about. We need everyone. The bench members have to live it up, be connected for the decisive moments. We’re together 24 hours a day for three weeks. If you want coffee, have two cups. We’re in the semi-finals, happy. Two hours of disconnection, and when we get to Florida, we’ll prepare for the big game against PSG.”

Alonso on PSG

“I haven’t played them before. They have the momentum, both in their play and their energy. That will be the challenge. So far, we’ve been doing well, competing, and now it’s time for the next step. We want to play in the final.”

Alonso on Fede Valverde

“He’s one of the most complete players in the world. He wants to play everywhere. Wherever he’s playing, he’ll drop back, but he can easily get to many places... With the ball, he has decisiveness, technique... I’m very happy to coach him.”

Alonso on Dean Huijsen’s replacement after red

“I can’t say yet. I’ll wait an hour or two, sit on the plane, and think about it... I’m not thinking about that right now, but it’s definitely not good news.”

Alonso on Fran Garcia’s performance

“His tournament is fantastic, with a top level of concentration and intensity, knowing when to wait and when to jump... He benefited from Vini bringing in two players. I’m happy for Fran; his attitude is exemplary. I told him, if you’re far away you can’t score, if you get there, you can score... And that’s why he scored.”

Alonso on Trent Alexander-Arnold’s ‘shyness’

“It’s three weeks after 15 years at Liverpool... That takes time. He had a serious first half, and he’s growing, integrating, and embracing new ideas. We have to be with him day by day, but we’re happy.”

Alonso on Gonzalo Garcia

“He’s taking advantage of it, and he’s done it again. He has the qualities of a goalscorer. He’s in the right place at the right time. And he’s backing it up with goals.”

Alonso on Kylian Mbappé

“I see him doing well, not perfect. He’s not at 100 percent yet, but there are days when he’ll feel better for the semis.”

Alonso on his system

“The system can be flexible. Tchouameni has played a little bit forward, you have to adjust... Defining a formation is very static; football forces you to do many things. I don’t get hung up on saying this is my system and it’s immutable. I’m interested in the players interpreting it within our style of play.”

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