Alonso talks Vinicius, Mbappe, Rodrygo, Mastantuono, Lamine Yamal, Barcelona ahead of Real Madrid vs Osasuna | OneFootball

The time has come for Xabi Alonso to make his La Liga managerial debut as he gets set to lead Real Madrid in their first game of the 2025/26 season against Osasuna on Tuesday.

What makes the occasion even more special for the Basque tactician is that the game will take place at the Santiago Bernabeu, where he will have a packed home support cheering him on.

Ahead of the season-opener, Alonso addressed the media in his first press conference of the new season, discussing various topics related to the team and the tactics.

On the team and his plans

Kicking things off, the Real Madrid manager gave an insight into the mood in the locker room heading into the opening game of the season, saying:

“We’re all approaching it with excitement, enthusiasm, and eager to get the season underway. It’s been a short but intense two weeks, and we’re already looking forward to stepping into the Bernabeu.

“We want to start well. The first game is always important. Tomorrow is the day.”

On being asked about how well the team has been able to digest his ideas and style, Alonso replied:

“We’re making progress. It’s hard to measure. We certainly still have a few steps more to go. But we already introduced the main ideas and fundamentals at the Club World Cup, and we’ve worked hard on them these past two weeks. The feeling is good.”

There have been speculations that there may be some exits at Real Madrid before the window closes, but Alonso made it clear that he is counting on everyone in the team.

“I’m counting on everyone here, and I want everyone to be at 100%. We need that. I’m counting on everyone right now,” he stated.

Alonso returns to the Bernabeu as manager, 11 years after his final game at the stadium as a Real Madrid player. Explaining his feelings ahead of the momentous occasion, he said:

“The memories I have are very good. I returned to Bayern and felt the affection. Now my role is different, but I’m excited and motivated, eager to feel that connection with the people again. Whatever happens, happens, and whatever I feel. I’m happy to be back.”

On the players

Alonso then praised new signing Franco Mastantuono and insisted that the teenager will have no issues in settling in at Real Madrid.

“The first time I spoke to him, I was truly struck by his personality. He was still only 17 years old and very self-confident. He wasn’t afraid of taking the step to come to Real Madrid,” the manager remarked.

“You can see his maturity, his desire, his quality. He’s going to integrate very quickly into the team.”

Alonso happy with Mastantuono. (Photo courtesy: Real Madrid official website)

On whether the new arrival can play against Osasuna, he said: “He could get minutes tomorrow. He’ll bring quality, energy, is committed defensively, and has good momentum.

“I’ve seen that he has that drive and that Argentine competitive spirit. He’s good with the final pass. He’s at a very good level.”

On Mastantuono naming Barcelona legend Lionel Messi as the best in the world, Alonso commented:

“I can see why it makes sense that his favorite player is Messi. Being Argentine, it’s no surprise to me.”

Talking about one of the selection dilemmas he will have – between Dani Carvajal and Trent Alexander-Arnold at right-back – Alonso noted:

“I’m clear that it’s a fantastic competition. And I love that we have two players in each position who can play. Sometimes I’ll have to split the roles, but we have all the positions doubled.

“Carva is getting closer to his level. That’s very good for the level of the squad. We have a lot of games.”

Another major talking point since Alonso took over has been surrounding the superstar duo of Vinicius Jr. and Kylian Mbappe and whether they are willing to put in the defensive work off the ball. Discussing that, the manager said:

“It’s a matter of all the lines being aware of it. It’s important for the forwards not to get caught out on the turns, but also that when we attack, the defensive line pushes. We want to function as a team.

“That’s going to help us improve at all distances, both when we defend and when we attack. It’s very important to be aware of them today. I think we made a step forward in the World Cup. It’s something we’re very aware of and have been working on.”

Rodrygo has been constantly linked with a departure this summer, but Alonso clarified that he counts on the Brazilian forward.

“There are a lot of rumours during the summer. He’s been doing well. I’m counting on everyone, and I want them to be committed to and for the team and to be at 100%. That’s what worries me and what’s occupying me right now.”

Alonso is counting on Rodrygo. (Photo by Buda Mendes/Getty Images)

Regarding Brahim Diaz and the role he will have in the team, Alonso said: “I’ve seen him well. I already knew him, how different Brahim can be, how he understands the position. He’s great in short spaces. He didn’t surprise me.”

On what promises he wishes to make to the fans ahead of the start of the season, the Real Madrid boss said:

“I’m more of a doer than a sayer. Promising before doing doesn’t usually work in football. We’re also eager to bring that energy to the stadium and deserve it. Just saying it won’t make it happen. We want to start down that path tomorrow.”

Regarding La Liga’s decision not to postpone Real Madrid’s opener against Osasuna, Alonso remarked:

“It’s now immutable, but our request, especially for the players’ health, would have been nice to receive that support. It wasn’t possible. We’ve only had two weeks, and there are no excuses. The team can compete tomorrow. Heart and desire are stronger than legs.”

On Barcelona

Alonso was also asked a fair number of questions related to Real Madrid’s arch-rivals Barcelona, starting off with La Liga’s proposal to move the Catalans’ game against Villarreal to the US.

The Real Madrid boss stood by the statement issued by the club in opposition of that plan, saying:

“I completely agree with the club’s statement. If the rules are changed, it must be done unanimously by all participants. That’s not the case now.”

On being asked for his thoughts on Barcelona teenage sensation Lamine Yamal, Alonso remarked: “He’s been an important player for Barça and the national team. It’s time to face him.”

Regarding the refereeing controversy during Barcelona’s game against Mallorca on Saturday, Alonso replied:

“It’s not my place to comment on what’s happening in other games, but I did hear what [Mallorca manager] Arrasate said and he explained it very well.”

Source: AS