Real Madrid manager Xabi Alonso says his side must put the Madrid derby defeat behind them as they switch focus to Tuesday’s Champions League clash away to Kairat Almaty. The trip to Kazakhstan is the second match of the rebranded league stage, and Alonso insists his team are fully focused on the european elite competition, Softfootball reports.
Madrid began their campaign with a big win at home on matchday one against Olympique Marseille despite finishing the game with 10 men, and the coach believes following that up on the road is vital to building early momentum.
Speaking to the press at the pre game presser released via the team’s official website, Alonso underlined the need for intensity and precision, regardless of the opposition or venue ,he said;
It’s a Champions League game. The opposition or where we’re coming into it from doesn’t matter. We want to win, and starting well is important.
We did that in our home game with a good win and now we want to do the same on the road so we can keep picking up points. We’ve switched into Champions League mode and the big game is tomorrow’s now. The important thing is the team we put out and how they play.
Real madrid will be facing Kairat Almaty in the UCL for the very first time, the team via its official X handle posted an exclusive video of the players and coaching staffs arriving at the Ortalyq Stadıon to train on the ptich ahead of the clash tomorrow, see video below;
The Madrid boss also made note of the challenges posed by their Kazakh opponents, who are competing in the main league phase for the first time. Alonso acknowledged Kairat’s discipline and direct style of play, stressing that his players cannot afford to underestimate them. he explained;
They have a strong core and some different options in attack. They’re a direct outfit, they play some slick stuff and are clear in what they want to do,” “We’ve analysed the opposition both collectively and individually. They are in the Champions League and they deserve to be there. Tomorrow they’re playing at home, with all the emotion that brings, so we have to be prepared.
The trip to Almaty has presented logistical challenges, but Alonso downplayed the impact of travel fatigue. Instead, he stressed that his squad must adapt quickly to circumstances and remain focused on the task ahead, he said;
You have to adapt and whether or not the trip is annoying isn’t something to consider. We’ve changed our usual roadmap, but in football, the smartest ones are those who adapt best. It’s a game like any other and the journey is not an impediment or an excuse.
Having suffered a frustrating derby defeat to Atlético, Alonso admitted his side still have improvements to make in terms of rhythm and solutions in key moments. However, he maintained that the spirit within the squad is strong and the long-term vision remains clear., he stated;
We weren’t at our best and that’s part of the adaptation and learning process.We’ve been together for 58 days and we’re doing alright. It was painful, but we’re in Champions League mode now.
Madrid will now look to channel that focus into a positive display at the Ortalyq Stadıon, with Alonso confident his team can keep progressing as they cement their style and identity in Europe’s top competition.
