Real Madrid manager Xabi Alonso spoke to the media after their 3-2 loss to Barcelona in the Supercopa final. He was asked about Kylian Mbappé’s fitness, to which he said: “He wasn’t ready to start with the intensity the match was going to have, and that’s why we decided against it. Kylian was supposed to come on just before we conceded the 2-3. We wanted him to create imbalance, a threat, to link up with him between the lines and in space. He gave us that a little later. It’s a shame we were already behind on the scoreboard, but we wanted to press with him in attack.”
Alonso on the game
“There are mixed emotions, on the one hand the disappointment of not being able to win the title. But also the pride that the team gave their all. We competed until the very end. The final was very close, with different phases. The team tried until the very end and came very close.”
Alonso on his gameplan
“The team showed great attitude and commitment. I knew there would be times when we’d have to hold on without the ball, maintaining that resilience, control, and conviction in what we were doing. We barely conceded in the first 30 minutes. A lot happened in a very short time. In the second half, we played well down the left with Vini. We conceded from a rebound to make it 3-2, and I was convinced we’d have chances to equalize. We lacked the finishing touch to force penalties.”
Alonso on whether the team’s physical condition had an impact
“No, we had the strength in that final push. Physical condition and injuries are penalizing us in terms of stability and being able to distribute the workload.”
Alonso on Vinicus Jr
“Vinicius played very well until the 85th minute, he asked to be substituted due to fatigue; it was very humid. He was a game-changer, the goal was spectacular, he was a great threat down his flank. We’re not happy with the result, but we can take some positives for the season. Now we need to get players back, which is the most crucial thing right now.”
Alonso on positives
“It’s a competition where we faced two great rivals in just a few days, in the middle of the season. We’re taking away the positives and preparing for our next challenges.”
Alonso on the last 15 minutes
“Yes, a lot happened in the last 15 minutes. Until then, we were controlling the game well, having periods without the ball, but the clearest chances of the first 30 minutes came from Vini and Gon. And then, more from a turnover than from organized play, we conceded that first goal. But the team showed character throughout, competing fiercely. We went into halftime tied 2-2; a lot happened in those 15 minutes. And in the second half… it was very competitive, tight. They got lucky with that goal from nothing. We pushed hard to equalize, but it wasn’t to be.”