Xabi Alonso appeared before the media in the press room of Lincoln Financial Field of Philadelphia after the victory of the Real Madrid in front of the Salzburg, which certified the pass to the round of 16 as the first group. The technician valued the collective performance of his team and the effort shown during the 90 minutes.
“I am satisfied with collective work,” he said. «There is a play in the second part in which the team replication is spectacular after a corner, and everyone's sacrifice is important. Without that it is impossible today, ”he said.
Thinking about the next meeting, Alonso acknowledged the demand for the crossing against Juventus: «There is a lot of world and we know that you now touch Juventus in the round of 16. Juve is Juve. I have full respect and you have to prepare well for that game. Or you continue or go home, so you have to be ready.
Despite the difficulty of the rival, the coach was satisfied with the evolution of the team: «I am happier with today's game than with the first part of the meeting against Al Hilal. We are still in the beginning and we are cautious. It still remains. We are starting a new era and we are making changes in the midst of a demanding competition. At this time we have been clear about the strategy, although there is still much to improve ».
Xabi Alonso also talked about the use of the system with three centrals, one of the clues of the team in this start of the tournament: «In my head it has always been flexible with the systems. Players already have enough intelligence to know the positive and negative of this system. It has given us stability, maturity and game control ».
«It gives you three against two with House y Rüdiger open and intermediate spaces with Jude and Arda. I like that flexibility to use it when it touches, ”he said about this game system.
Alonso had words of praise to VINICIUS, Author of a goal and an assistance against Salzburg: «He has played a great game. Not only do I keep the goal and assistance, but also with their defensive work, know how to get together, not get off the way … that has allowed us to play very close together ».
“In attack I had more freedom, reaching the area well and associating with Gonzalo, which wears the centrals. He leaves with good feeling. I also go with that feeling, but you have to continue because there is still a lot of tour, ”he added.
When asked about the connection between Vinicius and Mbappé, the Madrid coach was optimistic: «They can do it: Vinicius from outside and Mbappé from within. Thinking why things are done, things can work. We need collective quality so that players have a good support and that each one benefits from the collective system ».
On the physical state of Mbappé, Xabi acknowledged that it is key to have it soon available: «We need it and we want it back as soon as possible and in the best conditions. I don't want to be optimistic and get ahead of Tuesday, but we need him because he is a top player, the best in the world. We hope to have it back ».
He also talked about Gonzalo, Author of a good game. «I knew him very well. I have followed very closely to Castilla And I know his players very well. He is not surprising me so much. It is the typical nine that reminds me in many ways Raúl: Always well placed and with work ethics. We need more about him and we are working to improve, ”he said, adding that there are still no decisions about his future for next season.
About the change of Rüdiger, Xabi reassured regarding his physical condition:
“He had cramps. Nothing serious. It was his first starting game. He has played a lot with three plants when he was in Chelsea and this system gives us collective wealth and quality,” he said.
As for Endrick, who continues to recover, the coach explained: «He is in the process of recovery, but we want it to be available as soon as possible. Soon he will come to the United States to train with the group and, of course, he has him ».
