Xabi Alonso explains Rodrygo’s Real Madrid absence vs Pachuca | OneFootball

Real Madrid head coach Xabi Alonso has provided an insight into the reasoning behind Rodrygo not playing a single minute of the club’s most recent outing.

Los Blancos were of course back in action this past weekend, when they locked horns with Mexican outfit Pachuca in a group stage clash at the Club World Cup.

When all was said and done, Real emerged on the right side of a 3-1 result, to get their campaign at the tournament back on track.

Playing no part in as much, after featuring from the off against Al-Hilal, though, was the aforementioned Rodrygo.

Speaking in his latest pre-match press conference on Thursday, it therefore came as little surprise when the subject of the Brazilian’s omission was put to manager Xabi Alonso.

And the Spanish tactician went on to explain:

“I see Rodrygo in good shape. He was on the bench for a technical decision…”

Alonso was also keen to reiterate:

“He’s still important, and we’ll need him at the Club World Cup. He’s a special player and will play a key role.”

Conor Laird – GSFN