Alonso talks Mbappe, Man City defeat, Florentino Perez, locker room environment ahead of Alaves vs Real Madrid | OneFootball

Xabi Alonso stepped in front of the media with the weight of Real Madrid’s immediate future hanging heavily in the air. 

Ahead of an all-important La Liga clash against Alaves, the Madrid coach faced an intense press conference shaped by pressure, injuries and growing scrutiny after recent setbacks. 

With the margin for error shrinking, every answer carried significance.

Asked first about what version of Real Madrid he expects to see on the pitch, Alonso made it clear that excuses will not define his team, even with key absences to contend with.

“Despite the injuries, we have enough strength to win tomorrow. It’s a very important game for us,” he began saying.

With speculation swirling that the result could be decisive for his own position, Alonso was then confronted with the idea that everything might be on the line.

“The most important thing is the team and the club. We want to change the dynamic against a tough opponent.”

Is Mbappe available?

Attention quickly turned to Kylian Mbappe, whose fitness has been closely monitored after recent concerns. 

Mbappe is fit to face Alaves. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)

Alonso delivered reassurance while leaving the final call open until matchday.

“He’s fit to play, we’ve got him back. We’ll decide tomorrow. That’s obviously good news.”

Reflecting on the recent defeat against Manchester City, Alonso acknowledged the frustration while stressing that the performance still offered lessons.

“You can’t celebrate a defeat. We did a lot of things well. There are positives that we’re going to need.”

When asked whether his view of the club has changed since taking charge, the former midfielder spoke with the calm of someone hardened by football’s cycles.

“I’ve been in football for many years and nothing surprises me. These are things that have happened and will happen again. 

“You have to face it responsibly and work from there to change the situation.”

Relationship with the club

Alonso also addressed his relationship with club president Florentino Perez following the City loss, underlining unity behind the scenes.

“We have always been in constant communication with the president, Jose Angel, and other people at the club. Here, we all work together based on common sense.”

Questions about leadership inside the dressing room followed, particularly whether something is missing during this difficult stretch. Alonso dismissed any suggestion of division.

“We’re in this together, through the good times and the bad. If we turn things around, it can make us stronger. There are experienced people in this locker room.”

On the unprecedented injury situation, Alonso admitted the challenge while stressing the need to be practical.

“We have three players suspended, that’s also part of the game. We don’t have many players and we’re filling out the roster with players from Castilla. 

“For tomorrow, we are going with the ones who are fit.”

On Benzema’s words

Karim Benzema’s recent public analysis of Real Madrid was also raised, prompting Alonso to underline belief within the squad.

Xabi Alonso’s job at Real Madrid is on the line. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)

“We’re all together in the locker room every day. We’re going through some tough times, but we believe we can grow.

“Karim certainly has a lot of experience, but we believe we do too.”

Asked directly about his bond with the players, Alonso reaffirmed mutual trust.

“I’ve always felt that we have a good relationship and that we’re on the same page. We need that common goal.”

On the broader topic of patience with coaches in Spain, Alonso offered a measured perspective.

“In Spain, two coaches have been fired so far, and I’m sure there were more at this point in previous seasons. Football is demanding, and I think there were more dismissals in the past.”

Finally, speculation linking Alvaro Arbeloa to a future senior role was addressed calmly.

“I think Arbeloa could be the coach of Madrid, he’s doing things well, but we haven’t talked about it,” he concluded.

Source: AS