Real Madrid coach Xabi Alonso appeared at a press conference to discuss tomorrow's match against Osasuna in the first round of the Spanish league at the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium.

The coach said: "We all welcome tomorrow's match with enthusiasm and excitement, and we look forward to starting the season after the break. It has been a short but busy two weeks. We want to enter the Santiago Bernabeu; for some, this will be their first time, and the excitement of the team and the fans will unite. We want to start now and connect with the fans. The first match, against Osasuna in this case, is always important for many reasons. Tomorrow is our day."

He added: "The first time I spoke with Mastantuono, I was surprised by his personality. He was 17 years old then and was very confident. He was not afraid to take the step to join Real Madrid. Since he joined, you can see his maturity and quality. You can see that he will integrate quickly, whether in the dynamics of play or in the locker room; he might get minutes tomorrow."

He continued: "Have you reached the level you want? We are taking steps. There is no scale to measure the level. I am sure we still have more steps to take. But we have already started to introduce the main and essential ideas in the Club World Cup. We have made a significant impact in friendly and training matches. The feeling is good."

He added: "Is there any player who will leave? I rely on everyone here. I want them to be in top shape; we need that. We need the necessary spirit and enthusiasm, and I rely on everyone. Rodrygo is in very good shape; yes, there are rumors, but I rely on everyone, and I want everyone to be in top shape."

Regarding the competition for positions, he said: "I am sure it is a very strong competition. I like having players in every position vying for it. Sometimes I have to share the positions. In the full-back position, we have two excellent players, Carvajal and Trent. This is very good for the team's level, and we need this level."

On Mbappe and Vinicius understanding his plans: "It is about the convergence of all lines. It is important that the attackers do not lag in returning, but also that the defense presses when attacking. We want to work as one team. This will help us improve our performance in all our lines, whether in defense or attack. It is very important to be aware of this today."

He continued: "What do you promise the fans? I prefer action over words. Promises before action are usually not effective in football. We are also eager to bring this energy to the pitch, and we deserve it. Just saying it will not make it happen. We want to start this journey tomorrow."

About the referees: "We have started the season, and we will see how things go. We hope we do not have to talk about the referees. It is not my right to comment on what happened in the Barcelona and Mallorca match, but I heard what Arasati said, and he explained it well."

About Ibrahim Diaz: "Diaz did not surprise me; I saw him in good shape. I knew him well, how different Ibrahim is, and how he understands positioning. He is excellent in tight spaces. He never surprised me."

Regarding Mastantuono's statements that Messi is the best in the world: "I understand why it makes sense for Messi to be his favorite player. Being Argentine, this is not surprising to me."

He added: "How do you see the phenomenon of Lamine Yamal, and how do you see the pressure around him? I do not have a device to measure the pressure he is under. He is developing, and he is an important player for Barcelona and the national team. The time will come to face him."

He concluded: "It has been 11 years since your last match with Real Madrid? Yes, I have very beautiful memories. I returned here with Bayern Munich and felt the warmth. Now my role is different, but I am excited and motivated, and I am looking forward to returning to that relationship with the fans. No matter what happens, no matter how I feel, I am happy to be back."