Alonso: Madrid with no excuses against Osasuna; Mastantuono could debut

Xabi Alonso: “We won’t make excuses” despite Real Madrid’s busy preseason

Real Madrid coach Xabi Alonso has stated that they will not seek excuses despite the team’s short pre-season. The coach confirmed that the new signing, Franco Mastantuono, could have minutes in the match against Osasuna on Tuesday. Real Madrid begins its 2025-26 LaLiga campaign at the Santiago Bernabéu, just 15 days after starting training on August 4. This early start is due to the team’s participation in the Club World Cup. The club requested the postponement of the match against Osasuna to have more preparation time, but the request was rejected by a judge of the Spanish Football Federation. The judge ruled that, while players are entitled to a minimum rest of 21 days, there is no such requirement for physical preparation.

“Of course, for the players’ health, after a long season, we would have liked to have more preparation,” Alonso commented at a press conference on Monday. “But in the end it couldn’t be. It is what it is. It’s only been two weeks. But we won’t make excuses. The team can compete tomorrow.”

Xabi Alonso

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Barcelona, ​​Real Madrid’s direct rival, started the season with a 3-0 victory over Mallorca on Saturday, while Atlético de Madrid suffered a surprising 2-1 defeat against Espanyol. Madrid has added four signings to the first team this summer: Trent Alexander-Arnold, Dean Huijsen, Álvaro Carreras, and Mastantuono. The latter joined the team last week, after turning 18 on Thursday, but Alonso indicated that he could play at the Bernabéu.

“The first time I spoke with Mastantuono, I was surprised by his personality,” said Alonso. “He was 17 years old, but he was a man, he had a lot of self-confidence. He didn’t feel dizzy when he arrived at Real Madrid. In a short time we have seen that he will adapt quickly to the team… He could have minutes tomorrow.

Xabi Alonso

“It will bring quality and energy, I have seen that he has that Argentine fighting spirit.”

Xabi Alonso

Alexander-Arnold competes with Madrid captain Dani Carvajal, who missed a large part of last season due to a knee injury, for a place in the team at right-back.

“There’s very good competition there,” Alonso said. “I like to have that in every position, two players who want to show what they can do. After that, we have to decide… It’s very good for the squad, we have many matches.”

Xabi AlonsoMadrid will not have Jude Bellingham for Tuesday’s match, as he continues to recover from a shoulder operation, as well as injured Endrick, Eduardo Camavinga and Ferland Mendy. Antonio Rüdiger is suspended. Alonso backed Madrid’s protests against LaLiga’s plan to play this season’s match between Villarreal and Barcelona in Miami in December, arguing the club that the measure would confer an “undue sporting advantage” to the teams involved.

“I agree with the club’s statement,” Alonso said. “At the beginning of the season we all know the rules, and if the rules change, there should be unanimity among all participants.”

Xabi Alonso