He spoke before El Clasico.
Real Madrid manager Xabi Alonso spoke to the media ahead of the Supercopa final against Barcelona on Sunday. He was asked about how Vinicius Jr is feeling after the game on Thursday, to which he said: “Every player is different. Every moment, you have to have that intelligence. Vini is emotional. You have to know how to be close to him. The teammates and the coaching staff make it good. It’s a matter of moments. He will return to a high level and will be decisive. We need him tomorrow.”
Alonso on the game tomorrow
“It’s a special game. We wanted to be here when we saw the Super Cup on the calendar. We have to wait for this afternoon’s training. But it is a final that you will have to know how to compete to win it. We are ready.”
Alonso on Kylian Mbappé
“He is much better. The idea before starting was that he arrived right against Atlético and we decided not to accelerate, but if we reached the final, always according to his feelings, let him come. When I train today we will have all the information to evaluate it and if it is to play at the beginning or play a little less.”
Alonso on less rest
“This is how the draw went. We can’t change that. You have to use your time as best you can to prepare for the final against a demanding team. There is a mental, emotional and also football aspect. You have to prepare as best you can.”
Alonso on risking Mbappé
“You have to measure the risk. Know what we are at stake and make the decisions. We are not kamikazes when it comes to making decisions. It is a controlled risk.”
Alonso on the support in Saudi Arabia
“We noticed it. It happens like this all over the world. This is the biggest club. We are grateful. We would love to feel it again tomorrow.”
Alonso on using the Clasico in October as a reference point
“The response is similar to before the Atleti match. The Metropolitan game was not a reference, but we did not forget. Now, the same. The context may be different. Tomorrow will be a game with moments for everything. That we feel convinced and with the necessary energy will be very important.”
Alonso on the team’s physicality and fitness
“We don’t make an approach thinking about peaks or ups and downs. We think of being optimal throughout the season. The injury factor makes the loads different and there are more stressed players in this aspect. Pintus is part of it, there is very good collaboration.”
Alonso on connection with the players
“Projects evolve on time. We’ve been here for four months and a little. We are evolving in football, the emotional, the spirit of the team. We feel connected to the players. These matches can have a great impact for what remains. The players are with that commitment of the moment we are in and what is coming to us. It will not be decisive, but it will be important.”
Alonso on Pedri
“We know Barça well. There are no secrets. You have to make a complete game. There are many players, Pedri is one of them. There are others that are important too.”
Alonso on Lamine Yamal
“The level he has given is fantastic. He’s a different player. It does not condition the preparation. He is a unique player, but the approach is the same.”
Alonso on what he says to people who have Barcelona as favorites
“It’s football. Everything can happen. We prepare to win. We are convinced.”
Category: General Sports
