Xabi Alonso talks Mbappe, Mastantuono, Guler, Carvajal after Real Madrid 1-0 Osasuna | OneFootball

Real Madrid were made to toil, but got over the line against Osasuna last night at the Santiago Bernabeu in a game that Xabi Alonso and Co. will take as part of their learning curve.

A lone Kylian Mbappe goal, that too from a penalty, was the difference between the two teams at the full-time whistle and Los Blancos were far from as convincing as one would expect.

Yet, given the managerial change and variation in setup, it is but natural that the team will require some time before getting into the right gear and the three points last night, thus, are worth their weight in gold.

Real Madrid manager speaks

Speaking to the media after the game, the Real Madrid manager faced the media to deliver his verdict on the team’s La Liga curtain raiser and was positive despite being critical of the performance.

Summarising what he took away from the 90 minutes against Osasuna, Alonso said,

“There were good things and things we have to improve. After two weeks of pre-season, we still have a long way to go. I think we were organised, but we lacked a bit of composure in the final third.”

“Against a low block, we struggled a bit to create clear chances or to trouble them. I’m sure that with the good and bad things we’ll improve and get into rhythm,” he added.

Alonso also maintained his composure and stayed calm stating that the team would need some time to fine-tune.

“We have two more games until the break and we’re in that phase of fine-tuning. Victory gives you peace of mind to keep going, obviously.”

Performance of new signings

Alonso was content with the performance. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)

He also delivered his verdict on the new signings and how all four players performed on the night, backing all of them for their performances.

“I didn’t feel that the shirt or the Bernabeu weighed them down. The four of them performed well, maybe not spectacularly.

“But they were solid, they didn’t make any mistakes, they weren’t nervous and they were well integrated into the team.”

“Those who started and Mastantuono, who came on in the second half, brought energy. This mix has been good with those who were already there,” he added.

Alonso then gave a personal update on his feelings and how he took it to be back at the Santiago Bernabeu as a manager.

“After two weeks, it’s the first day and now we have to prepare for the next one. As a first take, I can take a lot of positives from it.”

“I’m very happy to be back at this new Bernabéu. With the way it sounds, you’re anticipating what you can do here and it’s very exciting,” he added.

Reviewing the game itself, the coach was intrigued by Osasuna’s tactics and how difficult they made matters for his team.

“Osasuna adopted their approach and it was difficult to find space. In some situations, we got to the back line, especially on the left with Vini Jr. and Carreras, but we couldn’t link up the final pass.”

“At least we didn’t get passed through, we were able to play a lot in the opposition half. We lacked in the final third to generate a bit more.

“It’s the adaptation and the phases that we have to continue to improve,” he added on the areas to improve.

Calling out individual names

Franco Mastantuono made his Real Madrid debut. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)

While three of the new signings started, Franco Mastantuono came on in the second half and impressed with a few moments of skill. Speaking on the Argentine star, Alonso said,

“I could see that he was able to contribute and he has had good minutes. He hasn’t been able to train with us, but he has been preparing.”

“He was really looking forward to it and sometimes the emotional side outweighs the hard work. He has had a good impact and it’s good news that he has made his debut,” he added.

Alonso also praised Arda Guler for his performance and publicly backed him and his talent.

“Since we’ve been here, Arda Guler has taken steps forward. Not only in terms of his quality, which was already evident, but also in terms of the way he understands the position: the way he provides stability, the way he controls and the way he hooks in.”

“In the first half, he allowed us to keep attacking. We have to keep pushing him and investing minutes in him so that he becomes an important player. He’s getting there and I’m pleased for him.”

The manager also ruled out any friction with Rodrygo Goes and insisted that he counted on the superstar.

“Nothing is going on. The Club World Cup was a different context because of the competition it was. Today it’s just one game, we can leave the rest behind.”

“What counts is this season and of course I’m counting on Rodrygo. It’s just one game, we shouldn’t read too far into the future. If he gets those minutes in three months, I’ll be able to answer you with more certainty.”

Defending his decision of not giving the player minutes against Osasuna, he said,

“Today it was just the circumstances of the game and my decisions.”

Kylian Mbappe was back on the field with a new look last night as he donned the number 10 shirt for the first time in an official game.

“I think after last year and after doing a lot of good things, Mbappé wants more. I don’t know if it’s because of the number or because of his ambition to win, but you feel he wants to perform better individually and collectively,” he said about the Frenchman.

“He wants to inspire those around him. If that helps with the numbers, that’s great. You feel that desire on a day-to-day basis and today he created these different moves that are decisive.”

Real Madrid’s plan vs Osasuna

Alonso expected Osasuna to play the attacking brand. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)

Real Madrid struggled to break down Osasuna’s low block, and Alonso was asked what he planned to counter that setup in the future.

“We haven’t had much time to prepare for this. We expected Osasuna to be a bit higher up than what we had seen in their pre-season.

“We haven’t been able to train too much in these two weeks against a lower block,” he said, revealing he was caught off guard.

“We have profiles for these situations. People who can be more in the box and reach out wide.

“We have to know how to switch, when to play the one we have prepared or take risks. These are situations we are going to face and we have to prepare more,” he added.

The manager was also quizzed on whether the Dean Huijsen-Eder Militao pairing would be his go-to defensive setup for the season, but he clearly stated that no player was guaranteed anything.

“Nobody is a permanent fixture here. Whoever deserves to play, plays. We have other centre-backs like Rüdiger, Asencio and Alaba, who is getting better every day.”

“I’m very pleased for Militão after his injury. He’s been feeling good since pre-season and today he had a very solid game. Very good news,” he added.

Finally, the new manager gave his two cents on Dani Carvajal who made a long-awaited comeback from injury last night.

“Not only in terms of football, but also emotionally. He’s the captain, he brings a lot to the table. He has a lot of experience here at the Bernabéu, in European competition and LaLiga.”

“He knows what needs to be done to win and transmitting that is going to be fundamental. Carvajal is back now,” he added.

Source: Real Madrid website