Xabi Alonso: “We have to build on the good things we did today”

Real Madrid manager Xabi Alonso spoke to the media after their 2-1 win over Alaves at the Mendizorrotza Stadium on Sunday night. He was asked about whether he was relieved after the win, to which he said: “We’re very focused on our own game. We’re very close, preparing for a match every three days. Today’s victory is especially significant because we came into it with a lot of players out, some suspended… as I mentioned before, Valdepeñas made his debut, and I congratulate him from here. Not only for the debut, but for the match he played. He competed and was a very consistent player. And debuting with Real Madrid is always a special day. And then… we’re all in this together. The momentum… one match isn’t enough; now we have the Cup and then the home game against Sevilla. There’s a long way to go and it was an important moment, but we have to build on the good things we did today.”

Alonso on being liberated after the win, again

“I just answered that. We’re all in this together, through the good times and the not-so-good times. Today the team competed very well, given the circumstances. Unity is fundamental. It’s the only way that the daily grind will give us the improvement we want.”

Alonso on the game

“It was a competitive match. We started very well and took the lead, but then we lost control and, as a result, we didn’t finish the first half well. We started the second half well and had chances, but we conceded on the only play where Valdepeñas made a mistake, because in all the others they were very solid; they played very well. And Carlos Vicente took advantage of it, after a great pass. But the team kept fighting, battling for the win in a difficult stadium, against a very intense opponent. That second goal gave us the three points and we leave here very happy.”

Alonso on the potential penalty call

“I’m going to talk about the play, not the referee. It seemed like a clear penalty to me. 
Vini was very fast, there was contact… and I’m very surprised that he didn’t even go to VAR. That said, it doesn’t surprise us. And we have to move on.”

Alonso on Gonzalez Fuertes being in charge of VAR

“You said it. And we’ll leave it at that.”

Alonso on whether he sees a change in attitude

“I think everyone does. Obviously, the Celta game wasn’t good; we were missing a lot of things. But today, there were some positives. Things we absolutely need in every match, and others… things we have to improve to win, to keep winning. We need consistency, regularity; it’s La Liga… and well, if this is a learning experience, let’s not forget it.”

Alonso on similar bad patterns

“No, I disagree. Every match has been different. For me, Celta, City, and today are three different matches, with different phases. Throughout the season, there have been matches where we haven’t been able to maintain that consistency, but not in these last three.”

Alonso on how he experienced the seven minutes between Alaves’ and Real’s goals

“Like the seven that followed. Trying to stay connected to the game, thinking about how to help the players, making necessary decisions. And we’ve had to make tactical or individual adjustments. But I haven’t experienced them any particularly differently.”

Alonso on Real Madrid wanting to regain their offensive power

“This was a very competitive pitch… Alavés are playing with a lot of pace. With a lot of intensity. We’ve watched many of their matches and it was difficult to win here. Of course, we want more consistency, but it’s difficult to dominate for the full 90 minutes in every match. And today we came here to win. The important thing was the three points, and we’re leaving with them. And now, we’ll focus on the Cup.”