Xabi Alonso gives pointed response to Dean Huijsen red card suspension controversy | OneFootball

Real Madrid manager Xabi Alonso was not best-pleased when Dean Huijsen was sent off last weekend, in what was the most controversial red card of the season. It means that the Spain international will be out of action for their clash with Espanyol on Saturday.

Huijsen’s red card was the hot topic in Spain this week, with Real Madrid appealing the decision twice, but failing on both counts. The 20-year-old defender took to social media to express his disgust. Alonso was somewhat more diplomatic.

“On the one hand, it doesn’t surprise me, but I would have liked a different decision, but he won’t be available tomorrow. We couldn’t play him for 60 minutes, and it’s better to leave it there, because if you accept a mistake, there should be consequences,” Alonso told Marca, referring to the CTA reflection that a yellow card would have been a better call.

Eduardo Camavinga and Fede Valverde plans

Real Madrid all of a sudden have something of a shortage at right-back, following Trent Alexander-Arnold’s injury, and Dani Carvajal’s suspension for his red card in the Champions League. The 33-year-old is also coming back from a year out of action, and Alonso was asked whether Fede Valverde might reprise his shift to right-back from last season.

“Fede will play in midfield, which is his position. The other day he gave the team what it needed and collectively he was very generous. He’s fundamental to the system, and hopefully he won’t have to play at right back, but you can’t say he never will.”

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Similarly, Eduardo Camavinga, who returned to fitness this week, has filled in at left-back at times, but Alonso was clear on where he would be operating.

“As a midfielder. He’s obviously so complete that he can play in many positions, like Valverde. But I see him in the middle, as a six or eight. He has many abilities, and now we need to integrate him into the team’s quality, both on and off the ball.”

Alonso’s desired style of play

After their 2-1 victory over Olympique Marseille, Alonso praised Real Madrid’s control in the opening half hour of the game. The Basque manager again emphasized that he wanted his side to dominate with the ball.

“We’ve had several matches conditioned by context, mainly by cards. But I hope to have that sense of control over longer periods. I want us to generate, to have stability in the game, because that will give us emotional stability. It will prevent us from getting too excited. If you go too far… sometimes you make bad decisions. The longer these phases of play are, the better.”