Alonso talks Rodrygo, Vinicius, Mbappe, Valverde, Carvajal, Militao ahead of Real Madrid vs Juventus | OneFootball

Real Madrid manager Xabi Alonso faced the media ahead of his team’s important quarter-final match against Juventus.

Alonso was clear about the stakes, that it is a win-or-go-home match. He shared that the players are “very motivated” and “eager” to face Juventus in what he called a do-or-die game.

“In every World Cup, after the group stage, there are matches where you either go through or get knocked out, and tomorrow Juventus will test us a lot,” he explained.

Alonso also spoke about Rodrygo, saying he always tries to talk to every player after matches.

He highlighted that tournaments like this are especially tough for players who are not regular starters or those just breaking into the team. “Rodrygo is training well, and whether he plays or not will be my decision,” the coach added.

On Carvajal and Valverde

On the team’s defensive line, Alonso confirmed that both Dani Carvajal and Eder Militao will be part of the squad against Juventus.

Both Carvajal and Militao will be in the squad. (Photo by Florencia Tan Jun/Getty Images)

“Both Carvajal and Militao will be in the squad tomorrow. After two long recoveries. It will be good to feel them around. It will be important for the team, and that feeling is good.

“Those connections are important. Competitively… they will need more minutes. Carvajal will be very important next season, and so will Militao.”

Alonso also discussed Federico Valverde, comparing him to his former teammate, Steven Gerrard.

“I see him in many positions like I did with Steven. Right now, he starts deeper, but he has the speed and strength to break through lines. His best moments come when he can face forward and use his burst of pace.”

On Vini-Mbappe partnership

When asked about the exciting Vinicius Jr. and Kylian Mbappe partnership, Alonso stressed that his priority is the team working well together, both in attack and defence.

Alonso praised Mbappe and Vinicius. (Photo by Florencia Tan Jun/Getty Images)

“We want to exploit the collective idea, that we all function as a team. That we know what to do without the ball. And in that individual quality, the attackers must make the difference.

“It will be difficult for me to teach Mbappe how to dribble, but how to persist… that’s where we coaches can put the emphasis. And that’s what we focus on.”

Finally, he praised Mbappe’s leadership qualities, saying, “With his impact, Kylian is already a leader.

“But everyone, from Kylian to Aurelien and Dani Ceballos, must stay committed to our team plan. That’s what I expect from all my players,” he concluded.

Source: MARCA