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Real Madrid coach Xabi Alonso insists the team’s shortened pre-season is no excuse as they prepare to face Osasuna. Alonso emphasizes hard work and new energy.
Real Madrid manager Xabi Alonso (AP)
Real Madrid coach Xabi Alonso has stated that the team’s shortened pre-season will not serve as an excuse as they prepare to launch their La Liga campaign at home against Osasuna on Tuesday.
Alonso will lead the team at the Santiago Bernabeu for the first time after commencing his tenure at the Club World Cup in the United States, where Madrid reached the semi-finals.
Madrid’s request to delay their league opener was rejected by Spanish football officials, and the team has played only one friendly since their 4-0 defeat to Paris Saint-Germain in New Jersey on July 9.
“Obviously it would have been nice to receive some support with our request, especially for the players’ health… after such a long season and to have a little more preparation time,” Alonso said on Monday.
“But anyway, in the end it wasn’t to be and that’s that. We’ve only had two weeks and there’s no point looking for excuses now.”
What’s New For Real Madrid This Season?
Alonso has several new signings, including former Liverpool defender Trent Alexander-Arnold, as Madrid aims to move past the disappointing conclusion to the Carlo Ancelotti era.
Madrid won the Champions League and La Liga in the 2023-24 season but finished second domestically to arch-rivals Barcelona last season and experienced a quarter-final exit to Arsenal in Europe.
Alonso, who led Bayer Leverkusen to a remarkable Bundesliga and German Cup double two seasons ago, was reserved about his expectations in the Spanish capital.
“I tend to be more of a doer than a talker. So making promises before taking action in football doesn’t usually work,” said Alonso.
“We are working hard and people are eager, you can feel that. We are also very eager, we want to start this new project, with new players, a new coach, and bring this energy we have to the stadium, and then earn it, not just talk about it.
“Talking about it won’t make it happen, otherwise it would all be very easy. We have to earn it and we have to start tomorrow on that path to get where we want to be in May.”
Alonso also fully supported Madrid’s opposition to plans to stage a La Liga game between Villarreal and Barcelona in Miami in December.
Madrid said last week it would “give an undue sporting advantage” to the teams involved.
“I agree wholeheartedly with the club’s statement,” added Alonso.
“I believe that at the start of the competition, we all knew what the rules were, and if the rules are to be changed, it must be unanimously agreed upon by all participants.
“Therefore, I believe that this is not appropriate at this time and that all La Liga participants should have been consulted beforehand.”
(With inputs from AFP)
Ritayan Basu, Senior Sub-Editor, Sports at News18.com. Has been covering domestic and and international football for nearly a decade. Has played and covered badminton. Ocassionally writes on cricket content, ha…Read More
Ritayan Basu, Senior Sub-Editor, Sports at News18.com. Has been covering domestic and and international football for nearly a decade. Has played and covered badminton. Ocassionally writes on cricket content, ha… Read More
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