Alonso talks Vinicius, Mbappe, Valverde, Guler, Martinez ahead of Real Madrid vs Celta Vigo | OneFootball

After a run of six games away from home in all competitions, Real Madrid are back at the Santiago Bernabeu this weekend as they host Celta Vigo on Sunday night.

The run of away games brought with it a lean patch for Los Blancos, leading to them falling behind Barcelona in the league table, with a one-point deficit that can grow to four later tonight when the Catalans play Real Betis.

On the eve of the match, Real Madrid manager Xabi Alonso addressed the media in his pre-match press conference, discussing the team’s form and the lack of right-backs in the squad currently, among various other things.

Kicking things off, the Real Madrid coach opened up on what he wishes to see from his team tomorrow, saying:

“A good Madrid, a complete game. We want to feel good about ourselves and build on what we did against Athletic Club. That’s what we’ve talked about and worked on.”

With Dani Carvajal unavailable and Trent Alexander-Arnold also suffering an injury vs Athletic, Real Madrid have been left without a natural right-back in the squad.

Everything suggests that Federico Valverde could once again be asked to fill in as a makeshift right-back as a result. On being asked about it, Alonso commented:

“We have to assess what decision we make, but there are other options. Fede always puts the needs of the team first and has always played there at a high level. But there may be other options. We’ll see tomorrow.”

On whether he thinks the Uruguayan international is a reliable option as a full-back, Alonso added:

“I remember matches where he has performed at a very high level: Barça, Juve… We know what his position is, but he is very generous, he wants to help the team, the badge and he represents the club’s values very well. Having him is a luxury.”

After a run of three games without a win in La Liga, Real Madrid picked up a victory vs Athletic Club and did so while playing well. So, when asked if it was the turning point for the team, the head coach replied:

“It was a good match, I said so. Complete, well-rounded. And now we want to keep it up. Win more matches and get as high up the table as possible… because in April-May you have to be where you need to be.”

Also talking about Vinicius Jr.’s form and the fact that the Brazilian international has looked a much better version of himself in recent games, Alonso noted:

“He’s in a very good place personally and professionally; you can see he’s happy. It was a shame he didn’t score in Greece or Bilbao, but when you see him smile, it gives the team a lot of energy.

“It’s essential to have him in this frame of mind. Hopefully tomorrow he can round off these feelings with a goal.”

Things are looking up for Alonso and Real Madrid. (Photo by Carl Recine/Getty Images)

Kylian Mbappe has been the leading man for Real Madrid this season and is now staring at the record of most goals in a calendar year for the club, currently held by Cristiano Ronaldo.

Discussing how the French superstar weighs up in comparison with the icon, Alosno remarked:

“Kylian is on his way to making history at Real Madrid, just like Cristiano did. In terms of ambition, numbers… he’s among the chosen few.

“Day-to-day with him is very good; wanting to have an influence on the rest, which is contagious, is something he shares with Cristiano. There, I see similarities.”

On being asked to pick one between Cristiano and Mbappe in his team, Alonso replied: “Cristiano is Cristiano and Kylian is Kylian. They’re both there. They’re both exceptional. We’re very lucky to have Kylian and we have to make the most of it.”

Real Madrid have endured as many as 13 injuries over the past month, something that is a concern for Alonso.

“We are working to get many of them back as soon as possible. There will be good news in the short term. These are phases we have to live with. We have to reverse it as soon as possible and compete with what we have,” he noted.

The manager then touched on Arda Guler, whose form has slightly dipped after a bright start to the season, saying:

“He has the ability to play at different positions or exert influence, depending on what the team needs. He knows how to organise and, at the same time, make the decisive pass. He can even get into the second line.

“He can adapt depending on what’s around him. That quality gives flexibility to the approach. But he’s growing a lot and we have to invest in him, as I said at the World Cup, because he’s different.”

The past few weeks have not been easy for Alonso, given the pressure he has found himself due to subpar results.

“I’m fine, thank you. I know where I am, I know the demands of the club and that you have to have the necessary temperance to stick to the fundamentals. Be self-critical, but without beating yourself up,” he acknowledged about his own situation.

Regarding young defender Joan Martinez, who was called up to train with the senior team today, Alonso remarked:

“I think he’s doing very well, like everyone else at Castilla; Alvaro is doing a great job and they all help us a lot in training. Alvaro is a good friend of mine, we know each other very well and that’s important.

“Joan has been called up and if necessary, he’ll get his chance. As will be repeated later…”

Concluding, Alonso was asked about the possibility of using Eder Militao as a right-back, to which he replied:

“It’s an option, we’ll have to see what we have in central defence. I think it was against… Senegal? He played right-back for Brazil and did very well. He has that ability.

“He reminds me a bit of Pepe: he was competitive and you knew that wherever he played, he was going to be competitive. Wherever Militao is needed, he’ll be there.”

Source: AS