Real Madrid defender backs Vinicius, Xabi Alonso amid pressure: ‘We hope he stays for a long time’ | OneFootball

Real Madrid defender Raul Asencio, hailing from Gran Canaria, has recently been handed an award that recognises his charity efforts in the region.

Speaking at the event, the young defender talked about his life at Real Madrid, as well as the state of affairs at the Bernabeu, including how the dressing room views coach Xabi Alonso.

Asencio also talked about Vinicius Jr., who has been in focus after being met with massive backlash from the Chamartin in the recent win over Sevilla.

Asencio on Vinicius, Alonso and more

When asked about the recent boos against Vinicius Jr., which prompted the player to change his Instagram profile picture, Asencio backed his teammates, calling him one of the best in the world.

“Whistles against Vinicius? The only advice I give him is to keep doing what he’s doing. He’s one of the best players in the world and helps us in our daily lives inside the team,” he said (h/t AS).

The versatile defender went on to talk about coach Xabi Alonso and how he has helped him develop as a footballer.

“Xabi Alonso has given me his complete trust to play in any position. I will adapt to all kinds of situations, even if I have to put on the gloves.

“Taking advantage of every opportunity is beneficial for me. I am learning in this new position, and the faster I learn, the better it will be for me and for the team,” he said.

Raul Asencio fully backs Vinicius Junior. (Photo by Ion Alcoba Beitia/Getty Images)

Asencio has indeed been one of the beneficiaries of Real Madrid’s defensive woes this season, with Alonso utilising the opportunity to test the young defender’s versatility.

The Spaniard claimed that Alonso enjoys full support of the dressing room, despite recent speculation over his long-term future at the club.

“You are at Real Madrid, and you will be criticised daily. I think that everything you do will not always be viewed in a good light, but the important thing is what we think inside the dressing room, which I believe supports him fully.

“The message he conveys to us is excellent and very correct. We hope he stays with us for a long time because he benefits us greatly,” he said.

Asencio also talked about his own progress as a footballer and how he copes with backlash from fans.

“I’m focusing on playing and doing what I’m good at. If people want to cheer or boo or anything else, that’s up to them. I’m focusing on my own affairs, on my training day and enjoying it,” he said.

“I’m a person with great mental strength, and in all these situations I feel comfortable and grow stronger,” he added.

Finally, Asencio talked about Real Madrid’s packed fixture list and, in that respect, how the short holiday break serves as a major respite for the players.

“With a very packed schedule like the one we have, breaks like these are beneficial for us, even though we feel our best when we’re in a continuous routine of matches and training. That’s what we enjoy,” he concluded.