Alonso talks Mbappe, Rudiger, Courtois, Trent ahead of Elche vs Real Madrid | OneFootball

Following the international break, Real Madrid return to action tomorrow when they take on Elche in an away La Liga fixture.

Having failed to win their last two games – losing to Liveprool and drawing against Rayo Vallecano – the Merengues need to produce a strong reaction and secure all three points against Elche.

Ahead of the crucial encounter on Sunday, Real Madrid boss Xabi Alonso faced the media in his pre-match press conference, where he discussed several matters, including the team’s fitness ahead of a crucial run.

Real Madrid had a number of players returning with fitness problems from international duty over the past week. But the manager confirmed that everyone was in good shape, with Eder Militao the only player being out injured.

“Everyone has arrived in good shape and with good energy. We have a demanding match tomorrow,” said the Real Madrid boss.

Looking forward to the upcoming run of games, he added: “Everything remains the same. There are all kinds of moments, and we’re eager to look ahead.

“We have important matches in La Liga and the Champions League. The energy is good, and we need everyone.”

On whether he feels there is too much criticism of him and his Real Madrid team, Alonso acknowledged:

“We know where we are and we know the demands of Real Madrid. We’re taking it in stride, maintaining the high standards we set for ourselves. There’s no need to make a bigger deal out of it.”

Real Madrid now have a streak of four matches away from the Santiago Bernabeu, but Alonso is unfazed about the schedule, saying:

“It doesn’t affect us. It is what it is. We have to prepare for it and we can’t change it. We know the conditions of playing away from home. You play with a hostile atmosphere but the game is the same.”

Regarding the physical condition of the team and whether it affected their form heading into the international break, the manager remarked:

 “I don’t link the team’s current form to their physical condition. We’re preparing, and now we’re entering a demanding phase. There are many matches in a short period, and everyone needs to feel ready to play. We have to live with injuries.”

Alonso’s Real Madrid face Elche. (Photo by Juan Manuel Serrano Arce/Getty Images)

Even though Trent Alexander-Arnold was fit in the games vs Liverpool and Rayo, Alonso used Federico Valverde as the right-back. But, now, the Real Madrid boss stated that the Englishman was in good condition, saying:

“He’s in shape, although Fede can also play there. Having Trent in good form opens up more options for us.”

Addressing the team’s lack of goals when Kylian Mbappe is not firing, as was the case in the last two matches, Alonso remarked:

“We analysed it and we just couldn’t score. It doesn’t just depend on Kylian, it’s a team issue. We have to look for alternatives.”

Regarding Thibaut Courtois’ importance to the team, Alonso stated: “His last seasons in very decisive moments have resulted in memorable saves… It’s not just his quality, it’s his way of communicating, he’s a pillar, he wants to have responsibility.”

Providing an update on Antonio Rudiger’s return, he added: “It’s important that he comes back, especially now with Mili’s injury. Maybe he won’t be ready for tomorrow, but he will be for Athens.”

On his idea of workload management ahead of a packed schedule for the team, Alonso noted:

“Everyone who is available and fit has the same chance. During these weeks we need everyone and everyone will be able to play and have their moment. We need to be fresh and for them to feel involved.”

Concluding, Alonso was asked if he thought if squad-management was more important for a coach or the tactical work. In response, he said:

“Both are important because of the environment we’re in. We have to be mentally strong and balanced to be able to compete. And also not be exaggerated in pessimism or optimism.”

Source: MARCA