Alonso talks Mbappe, Vinicius, Carvajal, Super Cup ahead of Atletico vs Real Madrid | OneFootball

Xabi Alonso and Real Madrid will face off against Atletico Madrid this Thursday night in the semifinal of the Spanish Super Cup.

The 44-year-old tactician goes into the game aware that another defeat against the Rojiblancos, after having already been handed a 5-2 hammering in La Liga earlier in the season, could bring down the curtains on his spell at the club.

Talking about the match and what winning the Spanish Super Cup would mean for his team in the pre-match press conference, the Real Madrid manager stated:

“It’s a semifinal, we have to be very well prepared mentally and compete. Pay attention to the details. They’re always a tough opponent, but we have energy and desire. It’s the first title of the season, and that’s why it’s the most important.”

Continuing on the importance of the competition, Alonso added: “Two things are very clear: as it’s our first title… it’s the most important. This year, it’s our fourth of the season. Perhaps the other coaches agree. We need to play a great game.”

However, in a major blow, Real Madrid go into the game without ace goalscorer Kylian Mbappe, who has been left behind in Spain after suffering an injury.

“The situation depends on the moment; we have to assess it. We’re here, and we want to get him back as soon as possible. Our focus is on the semi-final and winning so we can reach the final,” Alonso said on the matter.

The Real Madrid boss then touched upon the 5-2 defeat in the derby last time around and the learnings he and the team took from that, saying:

“Every match needs to be analysed, and defeats even more so. Things we don’t want to repeat. We’ll keep those things to ourselves. I’m convinced this will be different.”

On whether he sees differences between the current Madrid team and the one that lost 5-2 to Atleti, Alonso replied:

“These are things that evolve throughout the season. We don’t see it as a complete difference, but they are things we have to analyze and they are important for tomorrow.”

Vinicius has been going through a poor run of form. (Photo by Carl Recine/Getty Images)

Meanwhile, Alonso also spoke about Vinicius Jr. and his recent poor streak of form, insisting that the Brazilian remains a fundamental part of the team.

“There’s a long season ahead and many important matches. Vini is going to be important and we need him. Tomorrow we need him at his best. We have to find him and Vini is fundamental for us,” he said.

After the win over Real Betis last weekend, a clip went viral in which Alonso could be seen shouting at Vinicius to press while not in possession.

“Everyone’s pressure is essential. I always demand that everyone be committed, active, and that the lines be close together. That desire to play in that moment and enjoy it will make us more competitive,” he said, discussing the issue.

Providing an update on Dani Carvajal and his availability for the derby, the Real Madrid coach said:

“He’ll be better tomorrow and if needed he can play. We have to respect the timeline, but he is closer to being able to compete.”

Alonso also touched upon the midfield unit that is currently at his disposal and how they operate, saying:

“It’s all a process. How do they help move the ball more cleanly from defense to strikers? The midfielders are the ones who participate the most in that, and we have many different profiles.”

Concluding, Alonso expressed confidence that Real Madrid will be able to present a better image of themselves than the one from the 5-2 defeat to Atletico.

“We want to play a different game. But we were lacking in some areas, and we’re very aware of those things so we don’t repeat the same mistakes. We want to play at a higher level. But I’m sure we’ll show a better side and that it will be a hard-fought match.”

Source: MARCA