Xabi Alonso to Hala Madrid
Xabi Alonso is the most recent Madridista to sit down with the club’s magazine, Hala Madrid.
How are you adjusting to your new city and team?
Very well. I love Madrid and knew I wouldn’t have any trouble. My family and I are comfortable here. The club has made it very easy. Whenever we travel I realize how significant this team is.
What kind of football do you like most?
I like offensive teams that control matches and never wait for the opponent before responding. I think what we have here is what I tend to like.
Which of Pellegrini game plans do you like the most?
He has used different systems, but we have a lot of liberty in all of them. There also has to be balance on defense. It doesn’t matter which game plan is used because we have enough players for every position.
You have started in all of them. Do you like feeling like an important member of the team?
I have played a lot. The coach asks that I give balance to the midfield and that I search for solutions for my teammates. I am pleased with the role I have been given and I hope things continue to go well.
Are you more comfortable playing alongside a player like Lass or a play-maker like Guti?
No matter who plays we have to make sure that one isn’t just playing offense and the other defense. If we play with two central midfielders we have to be as complete as possible and dominate in both facets.
It was said that you were signed to restore order. Has that been the case so far?
One player cannot restore order alone. We have to do it together with one idea. I have that job when playing as a central midfielder because I am closest to all my teammates and need to be the one to communicate with them.
Many players dream of being that man on Real Madrid.
Real Madrid have had great players in this position and I hope to accomplish as much as they did. I am proud to be a member of this new project.
What do you think when you see players like Cristiano Ronaldo, Kaka, Benzema and Raul next to you?
It makes the job easier. I can make the game more fluid, but it’s all for not when there aren’t players in attack who can finish. But when there are players who can hold onto the ball, who can create space, who can get open and who can score, my job is much easier.
What does Kaka bring to the table?
He is very talented, has a tremendous stride and is very strong. He was a great signing.
And Cristiano Ronaldo?
He has that resolve and explosiveness in attack that made him so good at Manchester, and now he is using it here.
Are they in charge for dictating match tempo?
They can do it, but other players can as well, whether it’s Higuain, Raul or Benzema. This is a deep squad and many different players can set the pace.
What has Pellegrini asked of you?
To basically do what I always do. I need to be the link between the defense and attack, I need to make sure the ball moves fast, I need to be in the right place at all times so that the team doesn’t collapse…
Does having so many members of Spain’s national team here give this team special character?
I think so. It helps to play together here and with Spain. We work well together and all get along.
Did playing in England broaden your football horizons?
I learned a lot during my five years in the Premier League. I made a lot of progress. I went when I was 22 and returned at 27. I think I made important strides.
What attracted you to Real Madrid?
I realized that I was ready for a change after five years in Liverpool. I had the chance of joining Real Madrid five years ago but it didn’t happen, but this time I thought the time was right and I was excited about being a part of this project.
Do you remember the day you decided to become a footballer?
There wasn’t a specific moment. My family always had ties to football, but my parents always stressed that education came first. Football was a long process. When I was promoted to Real Sociedad’s first team, I realized I could make a career of it.
Do you and your dad talk about the rivalry between Barcelona, where he played, and Real Madrid?
He had his turn and now it’s mine (laughs). He follows my every step and stands by me one hundred percent.
How do you see the team?
It’s looking good. We have the potential but can still improve. We are doing well but we have to improve many aspects if we want to be so ambitious.
Is Real Madrid the favorite to win La Liga?
I think we are among them in both La Liga and the Champions League. Our goal is to do well in every competition and to win a title.
Are you familiar with Cibeles?
Of course. I have seen it many times on TV. I know what it represents for Madridismo and hope to finish the season there.
Just another Madridista
I never knew he could score goals.
What a tragedy!
Even St.Iker wouldn’t have saved his penalty. Woah!
And the build up to his first goal was simply stunning!
I concur.