
Alonso: I'm Not Worried About Mbappe, It Was a Fluctuating Match
Xabi Alonso spoke at the press conference at the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium after Real Madrid's 2-1 victory over Real Mallorca in the third round of La Liga, confirming that the team achieved an important result despite some aspects that need improvement.
Alonso said: "It was a fluctuating match. The start wasn't the best, but the reaction was good. We weren't organized in pressing in the opponent's half, which is something we used to do well and need to review to correct. We attacked better than we did against Osasuna and created more chances, especially after the 20th minute against a low defensive block. We need to keep trying, but the team's and players' conviction is increasing, and that's important for me."
He added: "We are definitely better than we were at the beginning. In terms of feeling, results are important to confirm the course of action and the right path. After the international break, the Champions League comes, and we need to continue adjusting some things. Starting with 9 points out of 9 is good, and we are happy."
Regarding Arda Güler's disallowed goal: "The fourth official said the play should be immediate, but the referee's interpretation was different. A 3-1 goal would have given us more comfort. The match was tense until the end. The referee is the one who decides, and today that was his decision."
On the performances of Vinicius and Rodrigo: "Vinicius made a good contribution, and his match was better than the one against Osasuna at home, and his goal was important. I am happy with his performance. Rodrigo also had good minutes. The three substitutions gave us balance because we were losing control of the match. We always need everyone to be ready to contribute."
Regarding the international break: "I would have preferred the players to continue with us, but that's beyond my control. We knew that these first three matches were important for development and determining the path we want. Now the break comes, followed by a block of matches with the Champions League. There are good things and others that need to be corrected, and we will work on that."
He continued regarding Mbappe's absence from scoring in the match: "His not scoring doesn't worry me at all because he will continue to score. He was very close today, and his positioning was excellent. A slight offside prevented him, and I am confident he will find the net in the upcoming matches. He always poses a threat to opponents and has many opportunities. The offside issue can be improved, but his quality in movement and finishing is very high."
On Carreras' performance and brilliance: "I was following him, and I am very happy to have him with us. He knows the club a little, and I expected a good adaptation from him, but what he is offering is amazing. He does almost everything right, stays focused throughout the match, and is a great addition for the present and future."
Regarding not relying on Fran Garcia: "I spoke with him. He is ready. He, Asensio, and Alaba didn't participate today, but these are tough decisions. He is very professional in training and gives me the confidence that he will be ready when we need him."
He concluded on Atletico Madrid's disallowed goal against Alaves in Mendizorrotza: "I was surprised by what happened in Vitoria. These mistakes shouldn't happen. The use of VAR needs to improve, and there shouldn't be an exaggeration in re-refereeing. When it is used, it should be used correctly."
Alonso said: "It was a fluctuating match. The start wasn't the best, but the reaction was good. We weren't organized in pressing in the opponent's half, which is something we used to do well and need to review to correct. We attacked better than we did against Osasuna and created more chances, especially after the 20th minute against a low defensive block. We need to keep trying, but the team's and players' conviction is increasing, and that's important for me."
He added: "We are definitely better than we were at the beginning. In terms of feeling, results are important to confirm the course of action and the right path. After the international break, the Champions League comes, and we need to continue adjusting some things. Starting with 9 points out of 9 is good, and we are happy."
Regarding Arda Güler's disallowed goal: "The fourth official said the play should be immediate, but the referee's interpretation was different. A 3-1 goal would have given us more comfort. The match was tense until the end. The referee is the one who decides, and today that was his decision."
On the performances of Vinicius and Rodrigo: "Vinicius made a good contribution, and his match was better than the one against Osasuna at home, and his goal was important. I am happy with his performance. Rodrigo also had good minutes. The three substitutions gave us balance because we were losing control of the match. We always need everyone to be ready to contribute."
Regarding the international break: "I would have preferred the players to continue with us, but that's beyond my control. We knew that these first three matches were important for development and determining the path we want. Now the break comes, followed by a block of matches with the Champions League. There are good things and others that need to be corrected, and we will work on that."
He continued regarding Mbappe's absence from scoring in the match: "His not scoring doesn't worry me at all because he will continue to score. He was very close today, and his positioning was excellent. A slight offside prevented him, and I am confident he will find the net in the upcoming matches. He always poses a threat to opponents and has many opportunities. The offside issue can be improved, but his quality in movement and finishing is very high."
On Carreras' performance and brilliance: "I was following him, and I am very happy to have him with us. He knows the club a little, and I expected a good adaptation from him, but what he is offering is amazing. He does almost everything right, stays focused throughout the match, and is a great addition for the present and future."
Regarding not relying on Fran Garcia: "I spoke with him. He is ready. He, Asensio, and Alaba didn't participate today, but these are tough decisions. He is very professional in training and gives me the confidence that he will be ready when we need him."
He concluded on Atletico Madrid's disallowed goal against Alaves in Mendizorrotza: "I was surprised by what happened in Vitoria. These mistakes shouldn't happen. The use of VAR needs to improve, and there shouldn't be an exaggeration in re-refereeing. When it is used, it should be used correctly."