Alonso talks Vinicius, Rodrygo, Valverde, Endrick ahead of Real Madrid vs Sevilla | OneFootball

Real Madrid will look to sign off on 2025 on a winning note as they take on Sevilla in their final game of the year on Saturday night at the Santiago Bernabeu.

With Barcelona facing a tough fixture against Villarreal on Sunday, it is a chance for Real Madrid to cut down the gap at the top to one point with a victory and put pressure on the leaders.

Despite back-to-back wins over Alaves and CF Talavera, Xabi Alonso’s job continues to be on the line and a misstep against Sevilla could prove costly for the manager.

Ahead of the contest, the Real Madrid head coach appeared in front of the media and discussed various issues, including whether he felt the team’s support through the difficult phase.

Kicking things off, Alonso said: “It’s the last match of the year. We’ve played a lot of games, and we want to finish strong, get our third consecutive win, and start 2026 with energy and optimism.

“The opponent is demanding, they will ask a lot, they play one-on-one situations, their players go into a lot of duels. They’re good with the ball. We want the fans to enjoy it.”

Talking about the pressure on him and whether he has felt the team’s support through the difficult phase for the team, he remarked:

“From the beginning, we have had a close relationship, based on respect and affection. The demands are extremely high. It’s a long road; there will be good times and not-so-good times.”

Federico Valverde did not train with the rest of the group today and is seen as a doubt due to some discomfort. Providing an update, Alonso noted:

“Some players have been able to participate. We’ll train a bit tomorrow and decide. We’re waiting for everyone, we need them. We’ll gradually add more players.”

The manager also discussed the team’s structure and ability to play with more forwards, like they did in the Copa del Rey tie against Talavera, he remarked:

“We’ve done it at times. Endrick played well, he created space for Kylian. We can prepare for matches against deep-lying defences; we need to pack the box.”

Xabi Alonso focused on winning. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)

“We can make short runs to create space for Vini, Jude, Kylian… We have to combine the individual qualities we have,” he added.

Alonso was also full of praise for Rodrygo, who seems to be recovering his form after a tough year, as he said:

“What he’s brought to the team has been great news. The balance he gives us, both on and off the ball. He has excellent technique. He combines well between the lines and in tight spaces.

“We need to get to him. We want to be more consistent, whether on the right or wherever he can play, on all three wings. I’m very happy for him; he’s doing very well.”

Talking about Vinicius Jr.’s lean patch in front of goal, Alonso remarked: “Vini’s situation is a matter of timing, I have no doubt that the goal will come. Hopefully it will be tomorrow.” 

On what grade he would give the team at the midpoint of the season, the Real Madrid boss stated: “It’s not up to me. And the grades are given at the end of the season.”

Regarding his future and whether there is not enough patience at Real Madrid, he remarked:

“The club always aspires to everything, we know what the objective is. We know how we want to build it. We are all united, from the president to the players, to do the best we can. That’s unquestionable.”

Concluding, on what his goal was heading into tomorrow’s match, Alonso stated: “My goal is to win the game, that’s what’s on my mind.”

Source: AS