In the upcoming UEFA Champions League Group Stage Matchday 6, Real Madrid will take on Manchester City at their home ground, the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium. Real Madrid head coach Xabi Alonso attended the pre-match press conference for the crucial Champions League clash against Manchester City.
What kind of game do you expect to face?
This will be an important day and an opportunity for us to keep moving forward. It will be a Champions League night. The fans know what kind of game we will be up against.
What do you think Real Madrid needs to do to turn the tide?
We are mentally prepared to face the challenge. Everyone believes we can win tomorrow. We must maintain a good rhythm and intensity. There is no doubt about that.
What do you think about Real Madrid having to play consecutive games that are the hardest and worst-performing of the season?
As usual, after the game against Celta, we will summarize the experience. We are now only focused on Manchester City and the Champions League. The atmosphere will be completely different.
As a head coach, do you feel lonely after a loss?
This is a team; we are in this together. When you coach Real Madrid, you come fully prepared. I am very much looking forward to what lies ahead, and it all starts tomorrow. Turning the tide is understandable. We are fully focused on Manchester City right now. In football, for better or worse, the situation can change in an instant.
But the problem is that the outside world is already discussing candidates to replace you...
When you coach Real Madrid, you prepare for all kinds of situations.
So what message does this send?This process, like us (leading the team), is proceeding in parallel. I believe that as time goes by, they will become more and more excited just like us.
Do you think it's possible to put aside these debates and focus on football anyway?
My attention is focused on the pitch. That's what I can control, tomorrow's game.
Is it difficult to coach a club like Real Madrid?
It's not a matter of changing, but of adapting. I know Real Madrid very well. You have to adapt and learn. There are good times and bad times. But we are improving every game. We must face this situation head-on and turn the tide.
Tomorrow you will face Guardiola's Manchester City again. As a head coach, how will you respond?
The next game is the best one. We have to face it. It is indeed a challenge.
Liverpool has left Salah out of the squad. Are you surprised by this? Should Vinícius' situation be handled differently?
These are issues handled by other teams.
There is a lot of discussion about your future with Liverpool...
Right now, I am here. This is where I want to be.
What do you think of Manchester City?
This is Guardiola's team, and it is constantly evolving and changing. There are new players in the team, and some things are no longer as familiar as in previous years. It will be a tough opponent.
Did he receive support from the board after the loss to Celta?
Communication has always been smooth, and all of us are united.
The team collapsed suddenly after defeating Barcelona. If you had to choose again today, would you have substituted Vinícius?
That was an impulsive decision. If I thought it was the right decision, I would not hesitate to do it.
After winning only two of the past seven games, are you disappointed with the players?
All of us are together, no exceptions. We firmly believe this is an opportunity. We need energy to connect with the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium. If we can do that, we have a chance to win the game.
(Finally, a follow-up question: Do you still have the full support of the entire Real Madrid team?)
Alonso: Si.
