Xabi Alonso: “It’s not just Kylian, Vini, or Rodrygo, we need collective quality”

Ahead of Xabi Alonso’s first UEFA Champions League game as coach of Real Madrid, the manager spoke to the media before the tie with Olympique Marseille. Alonso spoke in particular about Kylian Mbappé, saying that, “the Club World Cup was light for Kylian because of gastroenteritis. We were getting to know each other. Kylian really likes to understand things, the game. Then he offers that individual quality. But it’s not just Kylian, Vini, or Rodrygo, we need that collective quality for them to do those different things. I take no credit for that.”

“We’re starting with the excitement of playing in the Champions League with Real Madrid. It’s even more special for this club, and being at the Bernabéu makes it even more motivating. The players are eager to take steps forward and continue growing. We have a tough opponent, and we hope to get off to a good start.”

“We spoke with tension in our bodies. I already said what I thought at the press conference, and we’ll leave it at that. It’s time to look ahead to the Champions League.”

“I don’t want the refereeing issue to be the only topic of conversation. Let’s think about tomorrow. Enough has been said about Anoeta.”

“I feel equally comfortable with both. I’m not worried about tomorrow’s game or the next La Liga game.”

“It’s legitimate to defend our interests. As long as the club does it, it’s fine.”

“We don’t control that. Training has been delayed, but that’s it. We don’t control it.”

“We have spoken, but I speak with many players. In the context of the match, after he had done a great job, I think he came on in the 70th minute and it wasn’t the best time to play in attack. He sacrificed himself and it was a team victory. He has good energy to start tomorrow.”

“One thing that hasn’t changed is his competitive spirit. He came in 2013-14 and already had it. Since he arrived from Leverkusen, he’s been so important, he gave us so much, and we won the Champions League. That hasn’t changed. But his influence, his maturity, being the captain, the respect he commands, his responsibility to the group has evolved. Now that he’s fit and ready to play, he has a very important positive influence on the rest of the team. These leaders who have to flourish are essential. We need this powerful core to pull the rest along. Carva has been taking on that role. He saw others do it, and now it’s his turn.”

“Without a doubt. Because of his personality, his experience... He’s one of them. When that group consolidates, you know who you have to follow. Kylian is one of them.”

“Eager, no. We see a project that is just beginning. One of the goals is to win the Champions League sooner rather than later. Kylian is part of the journey, but I don’t see him as eager. Today we talked about what the Champions League means, but we didn’t talk about May, we talked about today.”

“No, no, they were five very intense years. It took us a lot to win that Champions League. We reached three semifinals before winning La Décima. Many of us learned that to win, you have to lose, and sometimes quite a lot. Then came the Zizou years, which were incredible. Few of us who were there at the time are still around. It’s historic and unique. If I hadn’t won it, I wouldn’t have left with peace of mind.”

“It’s a fact, an honor, a motivation, and a responsibility that you enjoy.”

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