Xabi Alonso on Rodrygo: "All decisions are solely and exclusively mine."

Real Madrid manager Xabi Alonso has stated that the decision not to give Brazilian Rodrygo any playing time is "solely and exclusively" his and that it does not respond to the club's interest in finding a way out for him. He also stated that he is "happy" with the squad, although he does not rule out the possibility of "some changes."

"All decisions regarding the starting lineup are solely and exclusively mine; we think about what's best for each match. I speak with many players, and I've spoken with Rodrygo too, of course," he stated in the press conference prior to this Sunday's match against Real Oviedo at the Carlos Tartiere, without ruling out the possibility of some changes to the squad. "I'm happy with the squad we have, but we always have to be prepared for any changes. I don't know what will happen, but I'm happy with the squad," he added.

On the other hand, he downplayed Vinícius's performance in the opener against Osasuna. "The World Cup context is a little different. We've only played one LaLiga game, and statistics have to be taken with a grain of salt. All the players are important; I'm counting on all of them. From the moment we make the squad to the moment we choose the starting eleven, anyone can be important to the team," he stated.

"I think he's doing well. We're all starting off with a lot of enthusiasm. We know how important this year is. Coming from where we're from, there's a lot of desire to have a good year, and everyone is in a very good mood," he continued, referring to the Brazilian striker.

Regarding Argentine Franco Mastantuono, he explained that he looked "well," with "a good impact and good energy" in his debut at the Bernabéu. "Since he's in the squad tomorrow, he has a chance, like everyone else, of playing," he said. "He can play both in the back line and as a playmaker. At River, he played a lot as a number 10, as an attacking midfielder, or as a playmaker, and he's gradually settled into a winger position. He has the quality to play in both, he has that mobility and that ability to link up. He's a player who likes to link up; he doesn't just make his individual plays. We're probably thinking about putting him a little higher," he analyzed.

He also declined to comment on the controversial chants of "Franco, Franco" when he came onto the pitch last weekend. "I haven't spoken because I focus on the player, and he looks good. I've seen him coming in well, integrating very well with his teammates; it seems like he's been here longer than he actually has. I see him with a smile more than any concern," he explained.

On another note, the Basque coach expressed his satisfaction with Kylian Mbappé's performance. "I'm going to try to help him, have the team help him, and have him help the team win games. Kylian is a fundamental part of the team because of his influence and the weight he has on the rest. Getting the pieces to fit together better will be one of the keys to the season's performance as a team. I hope that will be our strength," he emphasized.

Regarding Jude Bellingham's possible return, he acknowledged that the 4-3-3 "is a system that could suit him quite well." "If I think we won't have injured players all year, I'm being a bit naive; we're going to have to live with injuries. We can't think about permanent players; no one is going to play every minute," he noted.

He also acknowledged that they haven't been able to work too hard on free kicks yet, although "there are players who have a lot of quality" in taking them. "Arda takes them very well, Trent too, Mastantuono takes both corners and free kicks well, Kylian took some last year... We have plenty of options," he declared.

ON BARCELONA: "I'M NOT WORRIED ABOUT ANYTHING"

On the other hand, Alonso didn't seem at all worried about a supposed difference in level with FC Barcelona. "I'm not worried at all, I'm worried about our level. Every week we're going to get better, we're going to be able to improve and grow as a team, and that's what worries me," he stated.

The Real Madrid coach also analyzed Sunday's match. "For the people of Oviedo, it's a special match for two reasons: first, to return to the First Division after so many years, which makes me happy for them and I already congratulated Santi Cazorla; and second, because we're going. It's also very important for us; the feeling and continuing to grow away from home will be very important, as will being competitive. We're excited for tomorrow's match," he acknowledged.

In this regard, he was full of praise for Santi Cazorla, now with the Oviedo side. "I haven't spoken to him because I've been focusing on the match. I have spectacular memories of Santi, not only as a player, but as a teammate. At Euro 2008, we built a great locker room, and with Santi, you see how respected he is, the affection he has from fans inside and out. He's an exceptional player from a footballing perspective. I vividly remember the first impression we had when he arrived, which was spectacular. I'm very happy for him; he's back home and is a key figure in Oviedo," he concluded.