Xabi Alonso, the head coach of Real Madrid, held a press conference ahead of the match against Real Betis at Santiago Bernabeu Stadium as part of the 18th round of the 2025/2026 Spanish League, in the first match of the royal club in 2026. Alonso spoke about the team's readiness, the injury situation, and his strategies to compensate for the absence of influential players.

Regarding the loan of Endrick before the Super Cup, Alonso said: "We have to focus not only on the short term but also on the medium term and the progress of the negotiations. The decision has been made, and there is no turning back. We will enter the Super Cup with great confidence in our players."

On compensating for Kylian Mbappe's absence, he continued: "It was somewhat flexible; we did not make radical changes. With the players available to us, we had to find the best way to coordinate the elements, and we performed well. We will definitely miss Kylian; we have to trust the players who will start tomorrow's match."

Regarding Din Hausen's condition, he added: "He felt some discomfort, and we wanted to be a bit cautious. We will decide tomorrow about his participation against Real Betis."

On the team's need for a playmaker, he explained: "I work with the team we have, and it is my duty to make the most of their capabilities. We are still developing; we go through good times and less good times, and we always focus on improvement without mentioning specific names."

About Vinicius' condition after the boos, he confirmed: "Vini seems healthy, cheerful, and smiling. The break was beneficial for all of us to regain our energy. Tomorrow is our turn to give, to welcome, and to spread the enthusiasm and vitality we need."

Regarding Mbappe's return status, he continued: "After every match, we assess the situation and make decisions. Now we will see; we need to monitor his progress, and we will do our best to bring him back as soon as possible. The Super Cup? We will see what happens."

About Endrick's transfer to Lyon, he said: "Endrick, at this stage of his career, needs to play, and I understand why he made this decision and why the club invested in his development and gave him experience in a league like the French league. Real Madrid deals with players who leave to develop and then return."

Regarding Dani Carvajal's condition, he explained: "He was able to train throughout the session. We will decide the team lineup tomorrow morning. In every club, influential players are not only for what they offer on the field but also for their ability to handle difficult moments, and Carvajal is one of them. His personality and impact on the team are enormous."

On opening the door to sign new players, he added: "It is our duty to always be vigilant, even if we are happy with the team."

He continued talking about Rodrigo's position on the right wing, saying: "He can play in any of the three attacking positions. He ended the season with excellent performance, delivering great matches at the end of the year. We need him just like any other team. We have several options to compensate for Kylian's absence, and Rodrigo is one of them."

On his expectations for the match, he confirmed: "After a week of rest, we have great enthusiasm to return to competition and to play the second half of the season with passion, enthusiasm, and renewed energy. We want to play a good match and win it."