Alonso talks Bellingham, Vinicius, Mastantuono, Simeone, Busquets ahead of Atletico vs Real Madrid | OneFootball

Xabi Alonso’s biggest test as Real Madrid manager thus far arrives tomorrow when he takes his team to the Riyadh Air Metropolitano to take on Atletico Madrid for the first derby of the season.

Until now, Real Madrid have maintained a 100% record this season, winning each of their six La Liga games and one in the UEFA Champions League.

But a win at the Metropolitano has eluded them for two years, something that the manager will be eager to change.

On the derby, Atletico

Ahead of the short trip across town, Alonso appeared in front of the media and gave an insight into his mindset and the team’s preparation heading into his first-ever Madrid derby as manager.

“On the one hand, there’s the preparation for the match, but then of course it’s a derby. It’s very emotional. We’re expecting a great atmosphere, a powerful one. We hope it will make us play with energy and concentration,” said Alonso.

The Real Madrid boss then praised his Atletico counterpart, Diego Simeone, for his longevity – after all, the Argentine has been at the club for 14 years now.

“What he has done is very important. I’m just starting out, I like to take it step by step. I don’t set myself such long-term goals,” noted Alonso.

Talking about the charged atmosphere in derbies, the Real Madrid boss said: “It’s a nice atmosphere, derbies are special. Even in the days leading up to it, you can feel it in the city and the community.

“When you know what’s at stake, it motivates you more, you want to do well. We’re expecting a powerful atmosphere.”

Continuing, he added: “It is different going to the Metropolitano with Madrid. Because of the rivalry. It’s nice and hopefully we can enjoy it tomorrow as well. The standings don’t say much, but the match will be difficult. We’ll have to work hard.”

Given how Real Madrid and Barcelona have started, talks of a 100-point season have already begun doing the rounds. On whether he thought it would be possible, Alonso replied:

“It’s very difficult, but every match is very hard to win. We can’t get complacent. Just stepping onto the pitch doesn’t mean we’re going to win.

“We have to be consistent in our performance. The more we train ourselves to be active, the more matches we’ll win. If we have that natural drive, we can earn a lot of points.”

On his players

One of the major dilemmas Alonso has to deal with heading into the game is whether to start Jude Bellingham or not, with the Englishman being an important player but has only recently come back after a spell out on the sidelines.

“You already asked me that. Both Bellingham and Camavinga can start,” said Alonso on the matter.

Ready to start. (Photo by Aitor Alcalde/Getty Images)

Regarding what he thinks is the best role for Bellingham, the Real Madrid manager stated: “He’s an attacking midfielder. He can participate in both the build-up and the finish. He has the ability to cover a lot of ground.

“We have to get the most out of him so that he can be decisive. I need his flexibility and versatility. Some players are more static, and Jude is not one of them.”

Alonso also had words of praise for teenage prodigy Franco Mastantuono, who has settled in seamlessly into the team.

“Franco has a lot of good things going for him. He’s only 18 years old. He’s adapted very well. I love how competitive he is. He has a lot of energy. Then you have to organise it,” the manager said.

“But that competitive streak is essential in our team. We’re going to enjoy it. Everyone is ready. They’ve all recovered well. No one is injured or anything. We’ll decide tomorrow.”

On the fact that youngsters like Dean Huijsen, Arda Guler, Mastantuono, and Alvaro Carreras have never played at the Metropolitano, where the atmosphere can be daunting for opponents, Alonso acknowledged:

“There’s always a first time for everything. We need everyone for tomorrow and for them to feel that. To experience the build-up, the game itself. Afterwards, some celebrate and others don’t, but that’s the story of derbies.”

On whether he will have words with Vinicius Jr. to ensure that he does not get goaded by the Atleti fans tomorrow, Alonso noted:

“We mustn’t stray from what has happened. We have to be prepared. For the weapons we have. Vini is fundamental for us. I liked what he did the other day, I like to see him smile. And for us, the preparation will be the same.”

Tribute to Busquets, red card controversy

Busquets announced his retirement recently. (Photo by Megan Briggs/Getty Images)

Meanwhile, Xabi Alonso also paid tribute to former Barcelona midfielder Sergio Busquets, who announced that he will retire at the end of the ongoing MLS season.

“Firstly, I’d like to congratulate him on his career. Busi has been a great teammate. We’ve really enjoyed playing together. As a midfield partner, he never confused me, because he’s a player who supports the team. He’s very intelligent,” he said.

“He wasn’t the fastest, but he was the fastest with his head. He was always a step ahead to make the right decision. We all speak very fondly of Busi. I hope he enjoys his last few games and gets some rest.”

Real Madrid TV raised some concerns about refereeing again earlier this week, pointing out disparity in how red cards are being handed out.

One of the incidents highlighted was Atletico Madrid captain Koke not being penalised vs Rayo Vallecano for grabbing an opponent by the neck, whereas Vinicius Jr. was sent off for a similar action vs Valencia last season.

On being asked for his opinion on it, Alonso said: “My opinion is irrelevant. Those are past actions that have been judged. I have nothing to say.”

Finally, on what he is expecting heading into his first Madrid derby as manager, the Real Madrid boss explained:

“I haven’t seen the last few derbies because there have been quite a few changes in the line-up. I’m more focused on the present. Atleti are evolving. They’ve made some smart changes this year. It’s early days and they’ll be aiming for everything this season.

“It won’t just be emotionally demanding, but tactically and physically too. They’re a team with a lot of energy. We have to be prepared for a high tempo. Day-to-day training is going well and that helps.”

Source: AS