While the former will not be relieved so soon, his team managed to improve its stance on the sporting front by taking home a 4-3 victory over Olympiacos.
Advertisement
The scorer, as expected, was Kylian Mbappé, who was once again the star of the show. However, it is safe to say that several players dressed in white stepped up and took responsibility for leading the team to the finish line that night.
Alonso press conference
After the match, a relieved Xabi Alonso spoke first about the victory and the weight it took off the team after a bad run.
“I want to focus on the most important thing, which is the three points. We wanted to win to improve our position in the table. Now we have 12 points and we have broken our streak of three games without winning.”
“We weren’t feeling good. The game had all kinds of moments. We started well and were behind after eight minutes, but we had the composure, confidence and maturity to change the result.” He honestly added about the team’s performance.
Advertisement
Crediting the hosts for the fight they put up that night, Alonso said:
“They put a lot of pressure at the end and we needed to adapt and have longer possessions. The game is over and I’m happy with the three points. Now we have to concentrate on La Liga.”
Alonso was then asked what his team needed to improve, and he was very critical of the team in his analysis of the same.
“We have to improve in all aspects. We need to tighten up when the opponent puts pressure on us and stay more united. There were moments in the first half when we played very well and we have to concentrate on that.”
“We will improve the rest because we need that defensive solidity and combine it with the offensive qualities that we have shown.” added
Advertisement
However, despite his analysis, the coach revealed how he felt after the team ended their routine.
“Today we had to win and we did it. We broke the mold and we want to do the same in the League.”
Kylian Mbappé was the star of the night and continued his stellar scoring form with four to his name. Speaking about how Mbappé had scored more than half of the team’s goals this season, Alonso said:
“It’s very important. Your goals are crucial, but your personality, leadership and influence every day are intangible assets when it comes to building a team and creating connection and unity. Goals are your natural talent.”
He also praised Vinicius Jr. and spoke of his disappointment that the Brazilian’s goal did not count.
Advertisement
“I’m really disappointed about the disallowed goal because it was a play we had discussed and it would have given him a boost if he had scored.”
Alonso happy with Vinicius. (Photo by Carl Recine/Getty Images)
“It was a typical goal for him, cutting in from the wing and turning towards the far corner. I would like to highlight his connection with Kylian, his two assists and the impact he had.” he added.
Next, the coach analyzed the positive and negative aspects of the match, since the team had both equally despite coming out with the victory.
“In general, with the difficulties we had because Eduardo (Camavinga) could not continue at half-time and Raúl (Asencio) had discomfort in his hamstrings, we took away positive things like Kylian’s goals and the performances of Vini and other players who also did very well.”
The next part of Alonso’s press conference was about the preparation for last night’s game and how the team prepared for the big game against Olympiacos.
Advertisement
“The last few hours and since we arrived yesterday have been very positive and productive, helping us to continue growing and trying to break the mold. We achieved it and they taught us to face difficult moments.”
“The things we talked about were very positive, as was the unity and commitment of the players. I take that with me, in addition to the three points, and the positive things that happened within the team.” he added.
When asked if he felt like a weight had been lifted after last night’s win, the coach stated that there really wasn’t much difference in the grand scheme of things.
“Nothing has changed for me. I took it easier than you would expect. I’m not a newbie at this and I know there’s a long road ahead. There’s no need to go crazy.”
“You have to be demanding of yourself, but you also have to remember that there is always another game ahead and look forward.” he added.
Advertisement
Alonso also took a moment to praise opponents for the way they played and put up a fight and gave credit to his coach.
“I’m not surprised. We’ve seen what a good team they are. They deserve a lot of credit. I salute Mendilibar and Olympiacos. They have a lot of quality and a great team spirit.”
Despite all the positive aspects that can be taken away, Alonso refused to declare the result a turning point and assured that the pressure remains on the players to deliver in the upcoming matches.
“We’ll see. Time will tell. We had good feelings and we shared things. We got what we wanted in a difficult situation with the injuries we had and what happened during the game. We will accept it and this is football.”
“Now we have a visit to Girona and then Bilbao. The schedule means we will play six games away from home, which doesn’t happen very often. We will deal with it.” he added.
Advertisement
Finally, Alonso spoke about Andriy Lunin and the debut of the Ukrainian star after the loss of Thibaut Courtois.
“He has a great personality and is always prepared. He has shown this throughout his career and we have a lot of confidence in him. He plays the role of always being ready when needed very well.”
“It’s a shame that he conceded three goals, but he conveyed a lot of calm and confidence. We count on him when necessary and he will play.” he added.
Source: Real Madrid website