Real Madrid manager Xabi Alonso spoke to the media after their 2-1 win over Mallorca on Saturday night. He was asked about Alvaro Carreras’ brilliant performance, to which he said: “I was already following him and was very happy to see him arrive. It wasn’t possible at the World Cup, but it’s now. He knows the club, and you expect that to be good, but his level is extraordinary. He does almost everything well. He’s a great addition, both for the present and the future.”
“Whenever we win, we’re happy. The match had its moments. We reacted well after Mallorca’s goal. The second half seemed settled, but with Arda’s goal, which would have given us a lead, it was closer. It was a hard-fought victory.”
Alonso on the reaction to conceding
“It was a reaction to rebel against the only chance they had. With great momentum and team spirit, we won the game.”
Alonso on what he told the players during the drinks break
“We had to adjust our pressure and second balls better. They were recovering and turning instead of being able to drown them out more.”
Alonso’s assessment of the “pre-season”
“Very good, I’m very happy. We were lacking experience, and at this stage of the final preseason, we competed and got nine points. We’re satisfied. Now it’s time to recharge our batteries.”
“He made a good contribution; it was a better game than against Osasuna. And that goal was important. And Rodrygo also did his part. We were losing control of the game, but everyone came in well. We need that, for everyone to contribute. Rodrygo had some good minutes.”
Alonso on the international break
“I’d like to continue, to keep them close, but my wish is in vain. We knew these three games were important to compete, to improve on things, to define our path. It tells us a lot. The break is coming and now the next block is coming, but nine out of nine points is good. There are good things and things to correct, which we will do.”
“The fact that he didn’t score does not worry me at all. He had several chances, Kylian’s attitude was very good. He was just a few millimeters out of position, and he lacked a bit of accuracy with that final cut or shot. I’m sure he’ll get there again. The offsides thing can be addressed, but he’s always a threat to the opponent. But these are things that can be improved. I’m not too worried; he’s going to score a lot of goals.”
Alonso’s verdict on the team so far
“We’re better than we were at the start. Looking at things, results are important; they confirm our line of work. The Champions League is next, and we have to fine-tune things. But I’m happy. Today’s game was a series of stages. We didn’t get into the game the best, but then we improved, but the pressure wasn’t very tight. We have to do a bit better; we’ve been doing very well. We created more than we did against Osasuna against a low block again. There are better things and worse things. Let’s keep trying.”
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