MADRID – Real Madrid manager Xabi Alonso maintained his composure on Friday as he faced the media ahead of his team’s LaLiga clash with Villarreal at the Santiago Bernabéu, their first league outing since suffering a bruising 5-2 derby defeat to Atletico Madrid last weekend.
The buildup to the match has been overshadowed by reports of unrest involving midfielder Federico Valverde, who was benched in Tuesday’s 5-0 Champions League win over Kairat Almaty. Spanish media claimed Valverde had refused to play as a right fullback — an allegation he publicly denied.
Taking to social media, the Uruguayan reaffirmed his loyalty to the club, writing that he had “always told the coach I’m available to play anywhere.”
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When asked whether players had ever influenced his team selection, Alonso was careful with his words: “No one has ever told me they don’t want to play in a certain position. Everyone wants to play, but no one has said that to me.”
Valverde, who serves as one of Real Madrid’s captains, is expected to return for Saturday’s match. “He is ready for tomorrow, like everyone else,” Alonso confirmed. “We know how important it is and we want to end this block with a victory.”
Since replacing Carlo Ancelotti in May after the Italian took the Brazil job, Alonso has navigated multiple challenges — including dissatisfaction from stars Vinícius Jr. and Rodrygo over playing time in his rotation-heavy approach.
Addressing speculation about his authority being undermined, the 43-year-old manager underlined team cohesion. “We spend a lot of time together. Preparing for matches and celebrating victories brings us closer,” he said.
Reflecting on the painful defeat to Atletico, Alonso urged calm and perspective. “You shouldn’t get too carried away with victories, nor too downhearted with defeats,” he remarked. “This happens at any club. We don’t forget it, but we don’t dwell on it.”
Villarreal’s visit to the Bernabéu now offers Real Madrid a chance to reassert their title ambitions and silence growing whispers of internal friction.