Alonso celebrates debut and solidity of Real Madrid's signings

Xabi Alonso Praises the Impact of Real Madrid’s New Signings

Xabi Alonso, Real Madrid’s coach, has expressed his satisfaction with the performance of the team’s new signings, highlighting the debut of the young Franco Mastantuono, after the 1-0 victory over Osasuna in the first LaLiga match. In the match played at the Santiago Bernabéu, three of Madrid’s summer signings, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Dean Huijsen, and Álvaro Carreras, were starters. Mastantuono, for his part, came on as a substitute in the second half, leaving a good impression. Kylian Mbappé scored the only goal of the match from the penalty spot, following a foul by Juan Cruz. In addition, Abel Bretones was sent off for the visiting team in added time.

“The new signings were good, they have all adapted. Those who played in the Club World Cup, and Franco Mastantuono, who debuted today, are players we will have here for years. Neither the shirt nor being at the Bernabéu weighed on them,” Alonso told Real Madrid TV.
Xabi Alonso

Alonso added in the post-match press conference: “They did well, maybe not spectacular, but serious. There were no mistakes or nerves. Franco brought good energy.” Mastantuono, who turned 18 the previous Thursday and trained with his new teammates for the first time on Friday, showed confidence in his debut at the Bernabéu.

“It looks good. I thought I could contribute. He had good minutes, he had impact,” Alonso commented.
Xabi Alonso

Alonso acknowledged that there is room for improvement after a match in which Madrid dominated possession, but had difficulties creating clear chances.

“There are positive things, starting with the result. After two weeks of training, against a team that had a longer preseason, things were missing,” explained Alonso.
Xabi Alonso

Real Madrid seeks to improve its performance in the 2024-25 season, after failing to achieve any major title in the previous one, under the direction of Carlo Ancelotti.

“[Alonso] wanted us to have a lot of control of the ball and to play from side to side so that the other team wouldn’t have space to play,” said Mbappé. “There are things we can improve, we have just returned from vacation, but it’s positive.”
Kylian Mbappé