Real Madrid manager Xabi Alonso has admitted that he has had to change since arriving at the Santiago Bernabeu. Amidst much talk about his work and his relationship with the dressing room, Alonso seems to be changing his style of play to suit the players.
The Basque manager is under heavy pressure, and the line from the Spanish capital is that he must not only beat Talavera de la Reina in the Copa del Rey to keep his job, but also show improvement in the team’s performance. One thing that seems to have improved is his relationship with stars Jude Bellingham and Vinicius Junior, and Alonso was asked how he adapted to the dressing room.
“Xabi who arrived in June is no longer the same as he is now, in fact, yes. But I have learned things, I had to correct things about myself, there was progress. It is normal, we are progressing. The important thing is to get better. There is still a way to go.
‘Unity is fundamental’ – Xabi Alonso
Continuing to talk about the changes he made, Alonso highlighted that it was a learning process.
“As a coach, as a manager… you learn from everything. We are working on it, and the players are there. If we are a better team in March than now, that will be good news. And if we are better at the end of the season, even better. There will be different stages this season.”
“The position requires you to know what your responsibilities are at any given time. I enjoy this opportunity, in good times and in bad times. It’s an honor.”
When Alonso was asked about the seeming progress in the relationship, he said that it is natural for there to be ups and downs.
“That’s the meaning of it. We, internally, have been fighting for the same goals. We know that there are good times and not so good times. And unity is the basis. We are getting to know each other better; each one of us knows what is good and what is bad. The focus is on what comes in the next four days, on finishing strong before the break. We always want to improve.”
The glory of Victor Valdepenas
After the win at Alaves, Alonso said that 19-year-old defender Victor Valdepenas enjoyed a solid debut, but also that his mistake was against the Alaves goal. The thing he was criticized by many stores. Alonso pointed out that Valdepenas can play a lot.
“I think the first game of Valdepenas was very good news. Historically, I have seen and faced many players who were in the right place at the right time and did not know how to take advantage of the opportunity. I have no scripts or restrictions; it is a give and take field. If there are players who deserve to play, they will have opportunities. I was very happy when we had the opportunity to win Ví. I was very happy for him to win the game.
Endrick Felipe and Kylian Mbappe’s record
One player who does not seem likely to play much in the second half of the season is Endrick Felipe, who is reportedly on loan and has agreed to move the Brazilian to Olympique Lyon. The Real Madrid manager did not comment on a possible exit.
“You know I don’t like to give the opposition too many clues. He will be in the team, of course. We don’t think after the break: we still have Talavera and Sevilla, and we trust everyone. Bobby [Endrick’s nickname] he certainly has a chance.”
On the flipside, Kylian Mbappe will be rested, but is just two goals short of equaling Kylian Cristiano Ronaldo’s club record of 59 goals in a calendar year.
“We’ve been thinking about the best decisions to make sure the best team plays each game.”