New Real Madrid manager Xabi Alonso has held his first major press conference ahead of the new La Liga season, giving a detailed insight into his feelings on returning to the club, his tactical plans, and his stance on several key player situations.
Firstly, Alonso expressed his immense delight at returning to his former club. “I have always had a great relationship with the fans at the Bernabéu. I always felt the love of Madrid fans even when I was away,” he said. “I am ready and I am really HAPPY to be back home.”
On the team’s preparations, he acknowledged that there is still work to be done. “We have a lot of room for improvement,” he stated. “The ideas are being implemented slowly, slowly… The ideas are clear, they are the same. We will get where we want to be.”
One of the biggest tactical questions facing the new manager is at right-back. When asked who would start between Trent Alexander-Arnold and Dani Carvajal, he was clear that both would be vital. “I am very happy to have two UNREAL RBs. Both will play and compete. We will rotate. We will need both of them,” he confirmed.
Regarding potential new signings, Alonso was coy. “More signings? I am focused on the players we have for now. I need them to give their 100%.” He also directly addressed the speculation surrounding Rodrygo: “During summer there is always rumours. I count on Rodrygo a 100%.”
The manager reserved special praise for Argentine wonderkid Franco Mastantuono. “He has an INCREDIBLE left foot. He can play tomorrow,” Alonso said. “He has the quality, the energy, he’s committed defensively… He’s at a very good level.” When it was mentioned that the youngster’s favourite player is Lionel Messi, Alonso simply replied, “That’s normal as Franco is from Argentina and left-footed.”
Finally, the new boss expertly navigated several controversial topics. On the proposed Barcelona vs. Villarreal match in Miami, he stated, “I agree with the club’s statement.” And on questionable refereeing decisions in Barça’s opening game, he said, “It’s not up to me to speak on all the other games.”