Xabi Alonso was in the Bernabéu press room to discuss Real Madrid's win over Osasuna in their LaLiga opener: “There were good things and things we have to improve. After two weeks of pre-season, we still have a long way to go. I think we were organised, but we lacked a bit of composure in the final third. Against a low block we struggled a bit to create clear chances or to harass them. I'm sure that with the good and bad things we'll improve and get into rhythm. We have two more games until the break and we're in that phase of fine-tuning. Victory gives you peace of mind to keep going, obviously.”

The new players
“I didn't feel that the shirt or the Bernabéu weighed them down. The four of them performed well, maybe not spectacularly. But they were solid, they didn't make any mistakes, they weren't nervous and they were well integrated into the team. Those who started and Mastantuono, who came on in the second half, brought energy. This mix has been good with those who were already there. After two weeks, it's the first day and now we have to prepare for the next one. As a first take, I can take a lot of positives from it. I'm very happy to be back at this new Bernabéu. With the way it sounds, you're anticipating what you can do here and it's very exciting.”

Did Osasuna demand a lot on a tactical level?
“Osasuna adopted their approach and it was difficult to find space. In some situations, we got to the back line, especially on the left with Vini Jr. and Carreras, but we couldn't link up the final pass. At least we didn't get passed through, we were able to play a lot in the opposition half. We lacked in the final third to generate a bit more. It's the adaptation and the phases that we have to continue to improve.”

Mastantuono
“I could see that he was able to contribute and he has had good minutes. He hasn't been able to train with us, but he has been preparing. He was really looking forward to it and sometimes the emotional side outweighs the hard work. He has had a good impact and it's good news that he has made his debut.”

Arda Güler’s performance
“Since we've been here, Arda Güler has taken steps forward. Not only in terms of his quality, which was already evident, but also in terms of the way he understands the position: the way he provides stability, the way he controls and the way he hooks in. In the first half, he allowed us to keep attacking. We have to keep pushing him and investing minutes in him so that he becomes an important player. He's getting there and I'm pleased for him.”
 


Rodrygo’s role
“Nothing is going on. The Club World Cup was a different context because of the competition it was. Today it's just one game, we can leave the rest behind. What counts is this season and of course I'm counting on Rodrygo. It's just one game, we shouldn't read too far into the future. If he gets those minutes in three months' time, I'll be able to answer you with more certainty. Today it was just the circumstances of the game and my decisions.”

Mbappé wearing the number 10
“I think after last year and after doing a lot of good things, Mbappé wants more. I don't know if it's because of the number or because of his ambition to win, but you feel he wants to perform better individually and collectively. He wants to inspire those around him. If that helps with the numbers, that's great. You feel that desire on a day-to-day basis and today he created these different moves that are decisive.”

Preparation to play against a low block
“We haven't had much time to prepare for this. We expected Osasuna to be a bit higher up from what we had seen in their pre-season. We haven't been able to train too much in these two weeks against a lower block. Profiles we can have for these situations. People who can be more in the box and reach out wide. We have to know how to switch, when to play the one we have prepared or take risks. These are situations we are going to face and we have to prepare more. So far, we haven't had time.”

Huijsen and Militão, centre-back pairing
“Nobody is a permanent fixture here. Whoever deserves to play, plays. We have other centre-backs like Rüdiger, Asencio and Alaba, who is getting better every day. I'm very pleased for Militão after his injury. He's been feeling good since pre-season and today he had a very solid game. Very good news.”

Carvajal’s importance
“Not only in terms of football, but also emotionally. He's the captain, he brings a lot to the table. He has a lot of experience here at the Bernabéu, in European competition and in LaLiga. He knows what needs to be done to win and transmitting that is going to be fundamental. Carvajal is back now.”