Alonso talks Mbappe, Asencio, Vinicius, Camavinga, Lunin after Olympiacos 3-4 Real Madrid | OneFootball

Xabi Alonso was under immense pressure ahead of Real Madrid’s game last night, especially given the internal factors against him and the team’s poor run of form.

While the former is not one to be alleviated so soon, his side did manage to improve their stance on the sporting front as they took home a 4-3 win over Olympiacos.

The goalscorer, unsurprisingly, was Kylian Mbappe who was again the star of the show. Yet, it is safe to say that several players dressed in white stepped up and took responsibility to get the side over the line on the night.

Alonso’s press conference

Speaking after the game, a relieved Xabi Alonso first spoke about the win and the weight it took off the team after a poor run of form.

“I want to focus on the most important thing, which is the three points. We wanted to win to improve our position in the table. We now have 12 points and have broken our three-match winless run.”

“We weren’t feeling good. The match had all kinds of moments. We started well and were behind after eight minutes, but we had the composure, confidence and maturity to turn the result around,” he honestly added on the team’s performance.

Giving credit to the hosts for the fight they put up on the night, Alonso said,

“They pressed hard at the end and we needed to adjust and have longer possessions. The match is over now and I’m pleased with the three points. Now, we have to focus on La Liga.”

Alonso was then asked where his side still had to improve, and he was very critical of the team in his analysis of the same.

“We have to improve in every area. We need to tighten up when the opposition puts pressure on us and stick together more. There were moments in the first half when we played really well, and we have to focus on that.”

“We’ll improve on the rest because we need that defensive solidity and to combine it with the attacking qualities we’ve shown,” he added

Despite his analysis, however, the coach revealed how he felt after the team ended their rut.

“Today we had to win, and we did it. We’ve broken the pattern, and we want to do the same in the League.”

Kylian Mbappe was the star of the night as he continued his stellar goalscoring form with four to his name. Speaking on how Mbappe had scored more than half of the team’s goals this season, Alonso said,

“He’s very important. His goals are crucial, but his personality, leadership and influence every day are intangible assets when it comes to building a team and creating connection and unity. Goals are his natural talent.”

He also held Vinicius Jr. in high praise and spoke on how he was disappointed that the Brazilian’s goal did not count.

“I’m really disappointed about the disallowed goal because it was a move we had discussed and it would’ve provided him with a boost if he’d scored.”

Alonso happy with Vinicius. (Photo by Carl Recine/Getty Images)

“It was a typical goal for him, cutting in from the wing and curling it into the far corner. I’d like to highlight his connection with Kylian, his two assists and the impact he had,” he added.

The manager then analysed the positives and negatives to take away from the game, for the team had both in equal measure despite coming away with a win.

“Overall, with the difficulties we had because Eduardo [Camavinga] couldn’t continue at half-time and Raul [Asencio] had hamstring discomfort, we came away with positives such as Kylian’s goals and the performances of Vini and other players who also did very well.”

The next fraction of Alonso’s press conference was about the buildup to the game last night and how the team prepared for the massive game against Olympiacos.

“The last few hours and since we arrived yesterday have been very positive and productive, helping us to continue growing and trying to break the mould. We achieved that and they taught us how to deal with difficult moments.”

“The things we talked about were very positive, as was the unity and commitment of the players. I’ll take that away with me, apart from the three points, and the positive things that occurred within the team,” he added.

When asked if he felt a weight was off his shoulders after the win last night, the coach stated that there was really not too much of a difference it made in the grander scheme of things.

“Nothing has changed for me. I took it more calmly than you might expect. I’m no novice at this, and I know it’s a long road ahead. There’s no need to go crazy.”

“You have to be demanding of yourself, but you also have to remember that there’s always another match coming up and look ahead,” he added.

Alonso also took a moment to praise the opponents for the way they played and put up a fight and gave credit to their manager.

“I’m not surprised. We’ve seen what a good team they are. They deserve a lot of credit. I salute Mendilibar and Olympiacos. They have a lot of quality and great team spirit.”

Despite all the positives to take away, Alonso refused to declare the result as a turning point and ensured the pressure stays on the players to deliver in the coming games.

“We’ll see. Time will tell. We’ve had good feelings and we’ve shared things. We got what we wanted in a tough situation with the injuries we had and what happened during the match. We’ll take that and this is football.”

“Now we have a visit to Girona and then Bilbao. The calendar means we’re playing six away games, which doesn’t happen very often. We’ll deal with it,” he added.

Finally, Alonso spoke out on Andriy Lunin and the Ukrainian star’s debut after Thibaut Courtois was unavailable.

“He has a great personality and is always prepared. He’s proven that throughout his career, and we have a lot of confidence in him. He plays the role of always being ready when needed very well.”

“It’s a shame he conceded three goals, but he conveyed a lot of calm and confidence. We’re counting on him when needed, and he’ll play,” he added.

Source: Real Madrid website