Alonso: Real Madrid Must Learn from Derby Defeat and Move Forward

Xabi Alonso
Xabi Alonso urges Real Madrid to focus on Champions League after derby loss


Xabi Alonso emphasizes the importance of adapting to different situations as Real Madrid faces a packed schedule and long-distance travel in the Champions League.


“The smartest person is the one who adapts best. Getting off to a good start is important, and we want to pick up points away from home...”



Real Madrid manager Xabi Alonso is shifting his team's focus to the Champions League campaign after a humiliating 5-2 loss to Atletico Madrid in LaLiga. With a crucial match against debutants Kairat Almaty in Kazakhstan looming, Alonso emphasized the need for his team to secure points on the road, regardless of the opponent or location. The press conference was held in Almaty, a staggering 6,441 kilometers from Madrid, potentially making it the most remote press conference in Champions League history.


Alonso remains optimistic about his team's ability to bounce back from the derby defeat, acknowledging that lessons need to be learned from the experience. “Sometimes, to take a step forward, you have to take two steps back,” he said. “It hurts, but we're already in Champions League mode.” Alonso emphasized that his team is still a work in progress, and adapting to different situations will be crucial in their packed schedule.


The match against Kairat Almaty marks an important opportunity for Real Madrid to regroup and showcase their skills in the Champions League. Alonso's team began their European campaign with a 2-1 home win over Olympique de Marseille, and they aim to build on that momentum.


Real Madrid's coach addressed a packed room of local media, capitalizing on the rare opportunity to engage with the press. The setting was notable, given Real Madrid's illustrious history as a 15-time European Cup winner. This press conference followed a significant match, where Real Madrid suffered a loss to their city rivals, Atlético Madrid, at the Metropolitano Stadium on Saturday.



The defeat marked Real Madrid's first loss to Atlético since January 2024. Additionally, it was the first time in 75 years that Real Madrid had conceded five goals to Atlético in a match. This significant result has likely sparked discussions about Real Madrid's performance and strategy, which the coach addressed during the press conference.


Moving Forward After the Derby Loss

Real Madrid's coach, Xabi Alonso, is urging his team to learn from their 5-2 defeat to Atletico Madrid, emphasizing the importance of moving forward. “I think that both in victory and defeat, the feeling should last 24 hours. Then comes the analysis,” Alonso said, highlighting the need for his team to quickly shift focus from the loss to preparation for upcoming matches. According to Alonso, the team's performance was lacking in several areas, including pace, tactics, and overall game strategy. “It wasn't just about attitude; it was also pace, tactics – things about the game,” he noted.






Alonso stressed that his team has already conducted an analysis of the match and will use the insights gained to improve future performances. “We've done the analysis and we're going to use it,” he stated, underscoring his commitment to continuous improvement. Despite the setback, Real Madrid remains atop the LaLiga standings with 18 points, two ahead of Barcelona. Alonso emphasized the need for his team to secure points on the road, regardless of the opponent or location, as they navigate the challenges of the season.


“The match is just another match, it's not an excuse,” he said of the long journey to Kazakhstan. “It doesn't matter who the opponent is or where we're playing – we want to win.”


Xabi Alonso dismissed concerns about a lack of communication in the dressing room, describing his Real Madrid squad as a “work in progress.” He acknowledged that the team is still developing and adapting to his tactics, but expressed confidence in their ability to improve and overcome challenges.




Xabi Alonso remains optimistic about Real Madrid's ability to bounce back from the derby defeat, stating, “Sometimes, to take a step forward, you have to take two steps back... It hurts, but we're already in Champions League mode.” He emphasized that his team is still a work in progress and that adapting to different situations will be crucial in their packed schedule.


The upcoming match against Kairat Almaty in Kazakhstan will test Real Madrid's adaptability, given their packed schedule and the long-distance travel required to reach Almaty, a city 6,441 kilometers from Madrid. This challenge will be crucial in determining the team's performance in the Champions League.


“The smartest person is the one who adapts best. Getting off to a good start is important, and we want to pick up points away from home.”




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