Xabi Alonso: “Against low blocks, you have to shoot from outside”

Real Madrid manager Xabi Alonso spoke to the media after their 2-0 win over Espanyol to remain at the top of the La Liga table on Saturday afternoon. He was asked about two long-range goals — one each from Kylian Mbappe and Eder Militao — and he claimed it to be necessary in some situations. He said: “Well, against low blocks, you have to shoot from outside. When there’s little space, you have to progress quickly.

Mili’s was very good, and Kylian’s, a transition that Vini brought very well and in which he knew how to choose. We’re making progress.“

”It was a convincing victory. The team played with seriousness, stability, and composure. Perhaps they lacked a bit of brilliance in the final third, a bit more creation... but the team was serious, without any difficulties. It’s an important victory for continued growth, and now we’re looking ahead to Tuesday.

“It was a brilliant rather than a solid victory. We were controlled, without any stressful situations. We didn’t concede any goals. Maybe it wasn’t the most enjoyable victory, but I like it. We controlled the second half well from the 2-0 up. A victory that will allow us to continue growing.”

”Creating chances, maintaining presence in the box, combining different movements: from width to mobility. Aurélien and Fede played a very serious game, controlling the game.”

“It’s great news for everyone. First for them, then for the team. We need them. They’re top players, and for the upcoming season, we need everyone. Now we’ll have more options.”

“That’s his position. An attacking midfielder who can play alongside forwards and midfielders. The more we find him, the better we’ll do. The team at the World Cup was very different.”

“He lacked goalscoring today. I thought bringing in players on the outside, as a substitute, would be good. He and Franco were good, but the game needed more control. Maybe I substituted him when he was at his best, maybe I substituted him a little too early...”

“Franco also left angry. It happens to everyone. I’m happy with Vini and Franco’s performance. We needed a refresher because the season is so long.”

“He had a great performance. It was important to put what happened at the World Cup behind us. Raúl, like David and Fran, who couldn’t play, was ready. He played a very serious game. We knew what he was going to face.”

“They can both play in similar positions, but they can play together like they did at the World Cup. I have that in mind. They combine quite well. Arda can drop back a little more to link up with him, like with Fede or Tchouameni.”

“It’s great that we have so many opportunities. If I didn’t make decisions, I wouldn’t be here. The more I make the right ones, the better we’ll do. The season is very long; we’ve played five La Liga games, and six in the Champions League. We need to have these options.”

“Today he played in a more different role, as a playmaker. We talked about the responsibility he had to be closer to Urko. On Dmitrovic’s long balls, that superiority was important. Kylian understands football very well. Today in his role, in a different position, as a second striker, he did very well.”

”I think in the position he plays, we need that type of player. On the left, we have more verticality. As long as he performs, he’ll play. I see him doing well, eager to score that first goal.”

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