Xabi Alonso Praises New Signings After Solid LaLiga Debut

Xabi Alonso post match conference 

Xabi Alonso praised Real Madrid's new signings, saying they handled the pressure well in their LaLiga opener against Osasuna. 

Real Madrid's new signings made a solid debut in their LaLiga opener, according to manager Xabi Alonso. Trent Alexander-Arnold, Dean Huijsen, Alvaro Carreras, and Franco Mastantuono all played key roles in the team's 1-0 win over Osasuna at the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium. Alonso praised the new arrivals, saying they handled the pressure well and didn't seem weighed down by the expectant home crowd.

Alexander-Arnold, who started at right-back, was part of a strong defensive lineup, while Mastantuono brought energy to the game as a substitute in the second half. Alonso noted that the new signings performed well, although not spectacularly, and were solid and well-integrated into the team. The win was sealed with a penalty kick by Kylian Mbappe in the 51st minute.

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⚽ 51' @KMbappe (p)
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Alonso also addressed concerns about Rodrygo's recent lack of game time, saying it's just one game and shouldn't be overanalyzed. “Today it's just one game, we can leave the rest behind,” he added, emphasizing that he's counting on Rodrygo for the season.

Kylian Mbappe's 51st-minute penalty earned the hosts victory.

“I didn't feel that the shirt or the Bernabeu weighed them down,” Alonso told reporters of the new arrivals.

🎙️ @XabiAlonso: "We will improve and get into a rhythm."
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“The four of them performed well, maybe not spectacularly. But they were solid, they didn't make any mistakes, they weren't nervous and they were well integrated into the team.

“Those who started and Mastantuono, who came on in the second half, brought energy. This mix has been good with those who were already there ... As a first take, I can take a lot of positives from it.”

Rodrygo was an unused substitute against Osasuna, as media reports link the 24-year-old Brazil winger with a move to Manchester City, but Alonso said people should not read too much into his recent lack of game time.

“Today it's just one game, we can leave the rest behind,” he added. “What counts is this season and of course I'm counting on Rodrygo. It's just one game, we shouldn't read too far into the future.”