Two months into his reign as Real Madrid’s coach, Xabi Alonso is set to make his debut as the team’s leader in the dugout of the Estadio Santiago Bernabéu against Osasuna on Tuesday evening. Ahead of the game, in his pre-match press conference, he was asked for his promise to fans. He said, “I’m more of a doer than a talker. Making promises before you act doesn’t usually work in football. We’re also really eager and want to bring that energy to the stadium and earn it. Just saying it won’t make it happen. We want to start down that path tomorrow.”
Xabi Alonso on his Bernabéu debut
“We’re all looking forward to it, excited, eager to start the season. It’s been a short but intense two weeks, and we can’t wait to step onto the Bernabéu pitch. We want to get off to a good start. The first game is always important. Tomorrow is the day.”
Xabi Alonso on Franco Mastantuono
“The first time I spoke to him, I was very surprised by his personality. He was only 17 years old and was a very confident man. He had no qualms about taking the step of coming to Real Madrid. You can see his maturity, his desire, his quality. He will integrate into the team very quickly.”
Xabi Alonso on the team’s identity
“We’re taking steps forward. It’s difficult to measure. I’m sure we still have a few more to take. But we already introduced the main points and fundamental ideas at the Club World Cup, and we’ve been emphasizing them these past two weeks. The feeling is good.”
Xabi Alonso on whether his squad is complete
“I am counting on all of us, and I want everyone to be 100% committed; we need it. Right now, I am counting on everyone.”
Xabi Alonso on competition at right-back
“I know it’s great competition. And I love that we have two players who can play in each position. Sometimes I’ll have to rotate, but we have two players for every position. Carvajal is getting closer and closer to his best. That’s very good for the squad. We have a lot of games.“
Xabi Alonso on this game not being postponed
“Now it’s set in stone, but our request, especially for the health of the players, would have been nice to receive that support. It wasn’t to be. We’ve only had two weeks and there are no excuses. The team can compete tomorrow. Heart and desire push harder than legs.”
Xabi Alonso on Villarreal vs Barcelona being played in Miami
“I strongly agree with the club’s statement. If the rules are to be changed, it must be unanimously agreed upon by all participants. Now is not the time.”
Xabi Alonso on Lamine Yamal
“I don’t have the pressure gauge... He’s been an important player for Barça and the national team. It’ll be time to face him soon.”
Xabi Alonso on whether Vinícius Júnior and Kylian Mbappé have understood what he wants from them
“It’s a matter of all lines of the team being aware. For the forwards, it’s important that they don’t get left behind on the turns, but also that when we attack, the defensive line pushes forward. We want to function as a team. That will help us improve all distances, when we defend and when we attack. Today it’s very important to be aware of them. I think we took a step forward in the Club World Cup. It’s something we’re very conscious of and we’ve been working on it.”
Xabi Alonso on who will be his leader in defence
“It has to be natural, it has to come from them organically. We have communicative players who inspire others and are quickly making a name for themselves. That has to come naturally; a leader is not imposed but is generated by what they convey to the rest. There can be more than one leader.”
Xabi Alonso on referees
“We’re starting the season and we’ll see how things go. Hopefully we won’t have to talk about the referees.”
Xabi Alonso on Rodrygo Goes’ role
“There are many rumors in the summer. I have seen him doing well. I am counting on everyone, and I want them to feel for and with the team and be 100% committed. That is what concerns me and what I am focused on right now.”
Xabi Alonso on the controversy in Barça’s win over Mallorca
“It’s not my place to comment on what happens in other games, but I did hear what Arrasate said and he explained it very well.”
Xabi Alonso on how many opportunities Mastantuono will get
“He may get some playing time tomorrow. He will bring quality, energy, he is committed defensively, he has good momentum. I have seen that he has that Argentine fighting spirit and competitive spirit. He is good at the final pass. He is at a very good level.”
Xabi Alonso on Brahim Díaz
“I saw him playing well. I already knew him, how different Brahim can be, how he understands the position. He’s great in tight spaces. I wasn’t surprised.”
Xabi Alonso on Mastantuono’s favorite player being Messi
“I can see why it makes sense that your favorite player is Messi. Being Argentine, it’s no surprise to me.“
Xabi Alonso on it being 11 years since his last game for the club as a player
“I have very fond memories. I returned with Bayern and felt the affection. Now my role is different, but I am excited and motivated, eager to feel that connection with the people again. Whatever happens, happens, and whatever I feel, I feel. I am happy to be back.”