Xabi Alonso spoke in the press room at the Carlos Tartiere stadium after Real Madrid‘s win over Oviedo. The coach had this to say: “I analyse the victory from the game. We had a very good game. In the first half, we had a very good tempo with and without the ball and we were in control. Sometimes it was tough, because Oviedo were closed, but the rhythm was very good. In the second half, perhaps we dropped off a bit. Oviedo pushed forward and it was difficult for us to maintain the tempo.”
“We stole the ball from their defence, we moved the ball around and the second goal gave us tranquillity. It was a complete and very solid performance away from home, with great attitude from the team with and without the ball. I was very pleased.”
Vini Jr.
“He did very well when he came on. He was decisive in both goals. I’m pleased for him. We need everyone. Those who start, those who come from the bench. There’s going to be a lot of games for everyone.”
Carvajal and the national team
“He’d like to return, but it’s the coach’s decision. I’m very happy that he’s regaining his confidence after such a long injury. At the Club World Cup, he was in the mood, but he needed more time. And he still does, but today he played 85 minutes very much in the Carvajal style. Competing well, communicating and taking that leadership role. Bringing a lot of sense to everything. Hopefully he’ll go and, if not, he’ll go soon.”
Changes in the starting line-up
“It depends on what we need in terms of the game, the workload and the opposition. I haven’t made a decision for the next month. I’m going to see how we recover and to make sure that people feel important and ready to start, come off the bench or be able to be in the next game. This is important for the stability of the team’s performance. Today was a game to show that we’re still improving. We want to continue like this, now we’ll prepare for the Mallorca game before the break. We have twenty-odd players in the squad and I’m going to try to get the best out of all of them. Sometimes you can have a few minutes and be important, today Vini was important. My intention is that everyone contributes to the team. That’s going to be the norm.”
On not starting Vini Jr.
“Everyone is different. You have to demand the same respect, but the relationship you have is different. In football, you have to understand things and decisions are made with the team in mind. That’s how it was today.”
Check out all the videos from the game on RM Play
On Mbappé
“He’s regained the 4 kilos he lost at the Club World Cup. I can’t tell you much about last season because I wasn’t here. I think he’s doing well, motivated and he’s spreading it to the team. I love seeing him do those turns. We know he’s going to score goals, but when we get those distances we’re on the same page, both when we have the ball and when we lose it. He did very well today and the other day as well. We’re still improving and seeing what we need to correct. We’ve only been here a short time but I think we have a positive feeling.”
What did he think of Rodrygo’s performance?
“He had a good game. In the first half, on that side he linked up well with Carreras, Mbappé sometimes dropped and so did Güler. He had one-on-one situations and a few shots. Oviedo were quite deep and it was difficult to find the space, but I liked it. After last week, we needed everyone and Rodrygo is one of them.”
What does he like most about Mastantuono?
“He had a very good game. In a short time he has managed to connect with the group and his teammates. He looks very involved in the day-to-day routine and in the game. He’s going to give us a lot, in the short, medium and long term. He’s very young. I’m happy he’s with us. He has great energy and a great left foot. He’s going to keep improving.”
Rüdiger’s return
“I have to try to get the best collective performance out of the players I have. Rüdiger is very reliable, stable and competitive. It’s good that we have players ready to play. Depending on what we need, we can choose one or the other. Militão played 90 minutes the other day after a long injury and we have to look after him. Antonio is very reliable.”
Reunion with Santi Cazorla
“I got a bit emotional because I know the moment he is enjoying here, after such a brilliant career. The atmosphere at the Tartiere was spectacular. I hadn’t seen Santi for a long time and I was thrilled to give him a hug. He’s a unique player.”