Real Madrid manager Xabi Alonso attended the pre-match press conference ahead of the 14th round La Liga fixture against Girona.
On the away game against Girona
“We know we need to regain the feeling of winning away from home. Our away form has been a bit poor lately, and we need a victory to get three points again. The team is in good shape.”
On Laporta’s remarks about the Elche match
“We are aware of those populist remarks he made to his audience. We are focused on our own business—what matters is winning through strength and fairness on the pitch.”
On the ideal style of play pursued
“We have had some very good phases in matches. We need a perfect game, along with consistency and stability. We have improved in defensive phases, but there are aspects I am not satisfied with, especially the goals conceded. We will do better.”
On pressing
“Despite some adjustments not being in place before, our plan has always been the same. We want to remain aggressive.”
On the team’s injury situation
“We have Rudiger and Militao back. We’ll see if Asensio can play tomorrow. Mastrantonio is also included in the squad. Heuzen will not travel with the team.”
On Bellingham
“I have a good relationship with him—he is a world-class player. He has the desire to improve himself, and I like this type of player. He comes to ask me and himself about the position where he can better integrate into the team’s system.”
On Mastrantonio’s pubic bone pain
“He is much better now, with no discomfort or pain during training. He is training at this rhythm. We decided to let him stop earlier because he was playing through the injury, but now he has recovered.”
On Arnold
“We will see a better Arnold. The fact that he could play 90 minutes in the games against Elche and Olympiacos is very positive. We need him. This is his first year here, and adaptation is normal. He is starting to feel in better form now. We must accompany him through this change, but these are all good signs.”
On Mendy and his return
“He made a very good impression on me. This was his first game with us. I knew his ability, but we didn’t know his condition, and he competed exceptionally well. He showed his competitiveness. He is an excellent defender who can make the backline feel more secure. This is great news.”
On the attitude the players convey to the outside world
“I have always felt the team is united, and we all know what the goal is: to go all the way and have the chance to compete for all trophies. Through good times and bad, we are always together. We are closely connected in daily life. Despite all the outside noise and some people hoping for different outcomes, we are very solid internally.”
On the link-up between Vinicius and Mbappe
“The two of them are very good at this, but they have also done it in other games. This connection, their level, and the understanding between them are obvious on the pitch.”
