The Real Madrid manager urged for “measured” criticism after a frustrating 0-0 draw, insisting his team remains focused on the long season ahead.
Real Madrid manager Xabi Alonso struck a calm but firm tone following his team’s frustrating 0-0 draw with Rayo Vallecano, pushing back against suggestions of an emotional hangover or a lack of intensity from his star-studded squad.
Addressing the media after the stalemate, Alonso acknowledged his team’s struggle to break down a resilient Rayo defense but was quick to deflect heavy criticism. He emphasized a philosophy of steady growth, stating his primary concern is for the team to be “positively self-critical, constructively self-critical.”
“We know where we are,” Alonso said, addressing the high-pressure environment. “At this point in time, we’re still in November, there’s a long way to go. So we have to be demanding of ourselves, but also measured.”
When asked if the epic UEFA Champions League victory at Liverpool’s Anfield just days earlier had left his team emotionally drained, Alonso was definitive. “No, no. Today was a game after the game at Anfield, which is now behind us,” he stated, adding that the challenge was purely tactical against a Rayo side that forces games into a “frenetic pace.”
The coach also directly countered claims that his players lacked fight. “We didn’t win every duel, but we didn’t lose them all either,” he argued, praising his defensive line for holding up well despite Rayo’s dangerous counter-attacks. He described the second half as “chaotic,” a back-and-forth affair where his team simply couldn’t find the final touch.
As for talk of a “crisis” after dropping points, Alonso remained unshaken. “We know where we are, and I think that in good times and bad times, you have to know how to balance things out to get through it,” he said, reaffirming that his squad is built to handle the immense demands of the season.
Similar Posts:
- Alonso Defends Squad Spirit Amid Pressure at Real Madrid
- Stuttering Madrid Held by Elche as Pressure Mounts on Alonso
- Boost for Madrid as Alonso Confirms Mbappé Fit for Crucial Alavés Clash
- Alonso Preaches Patience and Unity After Gritty Madrid Victory
- Alonso Praises Gritty Madrid After Hard-Fought Victory in Emotional Return
