In the press conference for the Real Madrid and Girona match, Alonso stated: “We know that this match comes after our recent match against Athens in the Champions League, and in the league we seek to regain the feeling of winning away from home. Two matches in La Liga and a match in the Champions League away from home have coincided within a busy schedule. We need to put on a good match. We have recovered some players and we are entering the match with the best possible feeling.”
In response to Juan Laporta’s statements, the Real Madrid coach said: “We are aware of the populist messages he directs to his fans. We are focused on our work, and the most important thing is to win on the field in a deserved and sporting way. Every match is a new test for us.”
Laporta had stated: “Barcelona has never offered bribes to referees, and referees generally do not favor Barca; they have always favored Madrid, and an example of this is what happened last week. Real Madrid scored two goals, I think they were the result of Bellingham touching the ball with his hand, and in the other goal, Vinicius broke Iñaki’s nose. These two goals should not have been counted, and Barcelona would be leading the league now.”
He added: “We have presented good periods of play, but we need dominance, control, continuity and stability, especially in the defensive side where we have developed. We need a complete match. I am not satisfied with some things, especially the goals we have conceded in recent matches; we are still in a building phase.”
Regarding the application of high pressure, the coach explained: “The approach is constant despite some differences. We want to continue playing with enthusiasm and personality and be the most daring side.”
Regarding the return of injured players, Alonso revealed: “We have recovered Rudiger and Militão. We hope that Asensio will be on the list. Dean is not yet, and we hope he will be available against Athletic. Franco will also enter the list.”
He continued: “My relationship is excellent with Bellingham. He has a great desire to learn, understand and help to be more effective. I like this type of player who asks about how to develop. We will see where he can fit best. He is one of the players who has initiative and harmonizes with different roles, and we have to understand what is happening around him on the field.”
He continued: “Mastantuono’s situation is better, he is training without pain or discomfort, and he is fully integrated into the training sessions. We decided to stop him previously because he was playing while suffering from pain, but he has now recovered.”
He added: “We will see a better version of Trent Arnold. It is very positive that after the injury he played 90 minutes against Elche and Olympiacos. He feels more comfortable now. We need him, he is in his first season and it is natural that he goes through a period of adaptation, and he is also a player who demands a lot from himself, he has previously played at the highest level, and we must support him in this major change for him.”
He elaborated: “Mendy’s departure left me with a very good impression. It was the first match we played with him present, and we did not know the level of his competitive return, but he performed wonderfully. He is a great defender and gives you a lot of defensive security. I think he was injured in the Cup final, and for him to return and appear in this way is wonderful news.”
He added: “Mbappe and Vinicius are excellent in situations where there are spaces available, but they have also performed the same in other matches as well. The harmony, quality and good relationship between them clearly show all of that inside the field, and it was unfortunate that Vini could not score a goal.”
The coach concluded his statement by saying: “I have always felt that the team is united. We all know the goal clearly: to reach the months of March, April and May with opportunities to win everything. We are together in the good moments and those of lesser quality. These are normal things in football teams. We have excellent communication in daily work. Despite all that is said and what some try to spread, we are very strong from within.”
