Speaking after his team secured a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Getafe at the Coliseum Alfonso Pérez, Real Madrid coach Xabi Alonso explained that, “Vinícius had a huge impact. We talked about it this morning: he could be just as important coming off the bench as he could be starting. And that’s how it turned out. He was disruptive, forcing cards… because from that point on, we took the lead. At the end of the day, that’s what it’s all about: everyone knowing that they can be important in their role.”
Xabi Alonso on fitness concerns for David Alaba and Thibaut Courtois
“Courtois, I think so. Alaba felt… not an injury, but his calf was getting stiff and we didn’t want to take any risks. We’ll assess him further tomorrow.”
Xabi Alonso on Arda Güler and Thibaut Courtois’ late save
“Arda also had a big impact: we found the goal between the lines. First, Mili’s pass and then how he found Kylian. The goal was crucial because in this match it was difficult to create chances and get into a rhythm. There were a lot of interruptions, and that always makes it difficult. Thibaut… was crucial, but we shouldn’t have conceded that chance, given how the match was going. But anyway, he did his job and we’re leaving with the three points, which is what we wanted.”
Xabi Alonso on whether he’s concerned about the late chance
“No, now that it’s over, I’m not so worried about it. But at the time… as I said before, these are situations that shouldn’t happen when you’re up against nine men. We didn’t close down well, we lost the second ball and we didn’t adjust our marking, even though we had two more players. But it’s over now. And I’m here with three points.”
Xabi Alonso on whether Real Madrid are dependent on Kylian Mbappé
“I wouldn’t put it that way. But we’re very happy with how he’s doing. He’s decisive with his goals and his involvement. Although the others help him too. Goals give you points, but there’s a lot more to it than that. I’m not going to say that to the headline writer.”
Xabi Alonso on Valverde and Rodrygo together on the right
“For me, it’s not news, just another possibility. We’ve seen what they can give us, because of their quality.”
Xabi Alonso on Eduardo Camavinga
“I liked him a lot. In the first half, we created imbalance, especially on the left wing. When Carreras, Camavinga and Rodrygo found space behind Mario. We lacked a little in the final third, but we got into those positions well. And on this pitch, you have to adjust your second plays very well, because they play a lot from there. We did that. They practically only created chances from set pieces and crosses. Camavinga was very good. A very complete performance.”
Xabi Alonso on the week ahead
“It was a very demanding, complicated match. Coming to Getafe is never easy, you have to know how to compete. You have to be prepared for the match not to be the most… attractive. But the team stood up and worked hard. We had a few chances to take the lead in the first half. But… we enjoyed ourselves even though the match wasn’t very attractive. We stayed focused and did what we had to do. And we’re going into next week with good energy.”
Xabi Alonso on Güler and Bellingham
“Both can play in both positions (midfield and attacking midfield). Jude even a little lower and Arda… swapping positions. Tchouameni, Camavinga, Valverde, when he can play in the centre, Ceballos… we have different profiles. But it’s true that Güler has that quality, when you need a little more footwork at the base or in the link-up. We can alternate. But when he turns and has the final pass, he finds Vinícius and Mbappé well. And he’s being decisive. We have to encourage those partnerships we’re looking for, both in the centre and on the wings. And with the players we have, we have to do it.”
Xabi Alonso on his feelings
“Still digesting today’s game. The tension of a match in which we had to roll up our sleeves, for which we were prepared that maybe… it wasn’t the most spectacular. And that’s how it turned out. It wasn’t the most beautiful to play or to watch. But from tomorrow we’ll be thinking about Juventus.”