Xabi Alonso spoke in the press room of the King Abdullah Stadium in Jeddah and discussed the semi-final of the Spanish Super Cup against Atlético Madrid (Thursday, 8 pm Spanish time, 10 pm local time): “It's a semi-final and we have to be mentally prepared, compete and take care of the details. Atlético are always demanding opponents, but we have every reason to play this match with a lot of energy and desire. It's the first trophy of the season and that's why it's the most important one.”

“We want to perform better than we did in the league game, but we can't forget the things we lacked that day and which are clear to us. We don't want to make the same mistakes and produce a better match than the one we played. I'm convinced that it will be something else, different, and that the team will show a different side, a different level, and it will be hard-fought. Positive lessons can be learned from all defeats and there are things we don't want to repeat from that game and we'll keep them to ourselves. We mustn't forget things that didn't work well.”

What differences does he see between this Real Madrid and the one that faced Atlético in LaLiga?
"During the season, things evolve and change. There are players who were in that game, like Militão, who we won't be able to have. We don't take that game as a reference, but there are things to analyse from that game that will be important for tomorrow."

Spanish Super Cup
“Two things are very clear: it's the most important tournament because it's the next one, but it's the fourth in terms of what's at stake during the season. If you ask the other three coaches, they might agree. It's the one we have in the next four days and it's an absolute priority. We need to play a good game and we're looking forward to it.”

Mbappé’s absence
“Decisions are made and we hope to get him back as soon as possible. We have been rushing, but this game comes too soon. What's on our minds now is tomorrow's semi-final and to be able to win and play in the final on Sunday.”



Pressure
“It's essential that everyone puts pressure on and I demand during training sessions and matches that everyone is committed to that moment when we don't have the ball. Both those who are up front and the defenders, that they are active, that the lines are together. That commitment and that desire to play that moment and that we enjoy it will make us more competitive.”

Vini Jr.
“There is still a long way to go in the season and many important games. Vini Jr. is going to be important. Tomorrow, we need him to be at his best, connected with the team and to enjoy himself because when he enjoys himself on the pitch he has that ability to get past players. He is fundamental for us and we have to find him. These are moments and we have to be all together.”

Carvajal’s presence
 “He's better and if he's needed tomorrow he could play a bit. He has been injured for some time and we have to respect the steps because there are still a lot of games left and we don't want to force any situation. He's closer to being able to play.”

Midfield
“Everything is a process, both when we don't have the ball and how the forwards help the ball to reach the defence more dirty, as well as when we have it, how it arrives safely from the defence to the top. The connection with the midfield is fundamental and they are the ones who are most involved in everything. We have different profiles and qualities.”

Injuries
“During a season everything happens. Maybe in November and December we had a lot of injuries and we had to change a lot of things. We are in the fight to win everything and we have a title in four days. If we beat Atlético we'll be in the final.”

“We work on a day-to-day basis so that when a player is struggling we can help him. It's a very demanding club, but we know what we represent and defending this crest is the pride and privilege we have. Every match is the most important. The players feel that way and we are here to help.”

What did he mean when he said “calm down” to the media at the last press conference of 2025?
"It had no particular message and no greater meaning. Just enjoy yourselves. I didn't want to tell you anything special. It was something to end the press conference."