Real Madrid manager Xabi Alonso says the team will not hide behind excuses as they prepare to launch their La Liga season at home against Osasuna on Tuesday.
Alonso, who officially begins his reign at the Santiago Bernabéu after Madrid’s Club World Cup run in the United States, admitted that the club’s request to delay their opening fixture was rejected by Spanish football authorities. The team has managed only one friendly since their 4-0 defeat to Paris Saint-Germain in New Jersey on July 9.
“Of course, it would have been good to get some support with our request, particularly for the players’ well-being after such a long season,” Alonso said on Monday. “But in the end, that wasn’t possible. We’ve only had two weeks to prepare, so there’s no point in looking for excuses now.”
The former Spain international inherits a squad that includes new arrivals such as ex-Liverpool defender Trent Alexander-Arnold. His mission is to rebuild confidence after a mixed campaign that saw Madrid lose the league title to Barcelona and fall to Arsenal in the Champions League quarter-finals, despite winning a domestic and European double the season before.
Alonso, who famously guided Bayer Leverkusen to a Bundesliga and German Cup double, struck a cautious tone when asked about his targets for Madrid.
“I’m more of a doer than a talker. Promises don’t win trophies,” he noted. “We’re working hard, and there’s real hunger within the squad. We want to transmit that energy to the fans, but ultimately, we must earn success step by step, starting tomorrow.”
The coach also voiced his firm opposition to La Liga’s controversial plan to stage a December match between Villarreal and Barcelona in Miami. Madrid has already criticised the proposal, arguing it would give both clubs an unfair advantage.
“I completely agree with the club’s position,” Alonso stressed. “When the competition began, everyone knew the rules. Any change should be made with unanimous approval from all participants. This is not the right time, and every La Liga club should have been consulted.”
Madrid’s season begins under new leadership, with Alonso urging his players to set the tone early in their pursuit of silverware.
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