Real Madrid winger Rodrygo Goes has revealed how things really went down in a private chat with manager Xabi Alonso before the start of the 2025/26 season, admitting he’s ready to play wherever needed even if it means spending more time on the bench than he’d like.
Softfootball reports that the winger was quoted by sports expert Fabrizio Romano via his official X account. The 24-year-old says the key is staying positive no matter what.
He said:
When he arrived, he called me to talk and told me: I already know that you like to play on the left, but I’ll also need you in other positions. And I told him that I don’t mind him putting me wherever he wants and needs, I’m here to help the team. We have to respect the coach’s decisions
Still, it hasn’t been the easiest start. Under Alonso, Rodrygo has managed only 129 minutes in six La Liga games, averaging just above 20 minutes per match. His two starts came in the 3-nil victory over Real Oviedo in La Liga and the 2-1 controversial victory in the Champions League against Marseille; afterwards he has mostly watched from the sidelines.
Alonso has tried to calm any noise though when asked about Rodrygo’s role. As the manager insists his rotation plan is key after Madrid’s heavy Club World Cup run.
Even with limited minutes, Rodrygo’s impact in Europe has been noticeable. In a recent Champions League game versus Kairat Almaty, he came off the bench, grabbed a slick assist, and showed flashes of his sharpness. He’s got two assists already in just two appearances, something the winger has put down to the mentality around the club.
He claimed:
If you’re a starter, you have to give 100%, but if you come on as a substitute, the same. That’s how I think. If I play for 20 minutes, I give my all in that time. That helps my image and the team. I try to make the most of every minute I play with this shirt
Over the summer, there were whispers linking him with Liverpool, Arsenal, and Manchester City, though none made a move. Madrid reportedly value him around €100 million, a clear message of faith from the club.
