Alonso: Militao and Asensio have both played full-back, Courtois is the backbone of the team

November 22 News At 4:00 a.m. on November 24, in the 13th round of the 2025-26 La Liga season, Real Madrid will play Elche away. Before the game, Real Madrid coach Xavi Alonso attended the press conference and talked about some of the team's current situation.

How is the status of the national football team? What is the team's preparation strategy?

——Everyone is nice and the atmosphere is good. We are going to play Elche, they are a newly promoted team but in good form and it will be a tough game.

A new phase has begun

- everything is the same as before, we are eager to face important games in La Liga and the Champions League, and we need everyone.

Is there too much criticism of you and the team from the outside world?

——We are clear about our situation and the challenges we face. We will face it calmly and will not dwell on it.

How is the physical condition of the players?

——I will not evaluate the current physical condition. We are in a very intensive stage of the schedule and have to play many games in a short period of time. The physical data is improving... We must accept the injury problem. We also need to see if we can reduce Militao's absence time.

About many away games

- the away atmosphere is not conducive to us, but the preparation is the same.

Arnold is not in the best condition, will Valverde return?

- This offseason gives us a chance to get him back into shape, and Valverde is still working on it. Our options are getting more and more, Militao has played as a full-back in the Brazilian national team, Raul Asensio has also played...

Mbappe has not scored in the past two games, and the team lacks other scoring options

-This is a team problem, we have analyzed it, and it is indeed a team problem. We also need to strengthen our training on set pieces...the goals will definitely come back, I have no doubt about it.

Whether Courtois is the decisive factor in victory or defeat

- In the past few seasons, he has made unforgettable saves at very critical moments... His ability is not only that, he is also very good at communicating. He is the backbone of the team and is eager to take responsibility.

About Rudiger's return

- Not tomorrow. Given his performance and personality, it's great to have him on the team.

How to make players understand the importance of this game?

- All away games are tough, that's a fact. I spent two and a half hours training with them, explaining who we are, what our goals are, and what we need to do. Now is the time to prove it with action.

Which is more important, tactical level or team management?

—Both are important given our circumstances. We have to stay mentally strong and have a good attitude so we don't go on an emotional roller coaster after every game. It requires a bit of tact, but also a good sense of proportion.