Alonso Says Arnold Is Ready for Liverpool Clash, Explains Why Madrid Skipped Anfield Training

Alonso on Arnold, the Liverpool clash, and Istanbul nostalgia

Spanish coach and former Liverpool icon Xabi Alonso spoke ahead of the big Champions League clash against his old club, Liverpool. He praised Trent Alexander-Arnold’s current form and reiterated that having Arnold back in the squad adds confidence and balance to Real Madrid’s bid on a night when history weighs heavy on both sides.

The press conference underscored the timeless appeal of Liverpool as a European classic, a fixture fans everywhere want to see. Alonso emphasized that the tie isn’t just about tactics; it’s about the emotional resonance of two heavyweights meeting on a stage that has produced countless memorable moments.

He reminded reporters of his own days at Anfield, noting that returning to that stadium carries a flood of memories—some fond, some feverish—and that those feelings can influence a team’s mood as they approach kickoff.

Asked about the atmosphere, Alonso smiled and said the moment you walk into Anfield, you feel the weight of history. It’s a place where personal memories blend with the team’s ambitions, and for him, the contrast between playing there and now coaching elsewhere adds perspective to the present challenge.

On Arnold’s recovery and readiness, Alonso confirmed: “Trent is fit. He didn’t feature against Valencia due to the surrounding context of the match, but he’s available and we need him.” The Spaniard praised Arnold’s quality and the positivity his presence brings to Real Madrid’s build-up for a fixture that will demand creativity, discipline, and moments of individual brilliance.

Alonso’s reflections on his time with Liverpool go beyond nostalgia. He spoke about the impact of that five-year spell—under Rafael Benítez—that shaped him as a player and a coach, shaping his understanding of what makes a big European night so special. He stressed that the lessons learned in those years continue to inform his approach to games like this one.

He recalled Istanbul’s dramatic final against Milan and shared how pivotal decisions affected him and his teammates. He recalled Gerrard’s penalty in the lead-up and the subsequent dilemmas that defined that season’s decisive moments. The point was clear: big games hinge on both preparation and a touch of fate, which is what makes football so unpredictable and thrilling.

With regard to Arnold’s return, Alonso reiterated the high level of respect for his former club while emphasizing Madrid’s need to focus on the immediate objective: securing a positive result in a challenging away fixture.

Madrid squad, Anfield absence, and the penalty plan

The Madrid squad for the match is set to feature a familiar core led by Rodrygo and Vinícius Júnior, with Kylian Mbappé in the forward line and Jude Bellingham directing play from the middle, flanked by Camavinga and Valverde in a balanced engine room. The defending backbone includes Militao in central defense, with Carvajal and Mendy providing wide coverage, while Garesia and other squad members offer rotation options across the backline.

Alonso confirmed that the decision not to train on Anfield turf was strategic rather than conspiratorial. The club prefers to work at their own training facilities to preserve energy and manage the squad’s rhythm, while still preparing precise game plans for Liverpool’s aggressive pressing and dynamic front line.

On set-pieces and penalties, the coach noted: “We decide who will take penalties, and Mbappé will be the first taker tomorrow.” He added that the emphasis remains on maximizing opportunities from spots on the field, a key factor given the tight margins typical of Champions League nights.

Real Madrid’s current form in the competition has them with a clean slate after three group-stage wins, while Liverpool have won twice and lost once, making this clash a crucial test for both sides as the group tightens and every point matters toward the knockout stages.

Madrid’s injury watch remains a talking point. Franco Mastantono has been dealing with an injury that mirrors the mysterious case seen in other players with unpredictable recovery trajectories. The club’s medical team continues daily evaluations, with guidance to maintain a controlled amount of physical activity until symptoms subside. The precise timing of any potential return to full team training remains uncertain and will depend on his response to treatment.

As for the rest of the squad, the goalkeeper rotation includes Courtois and backups, while the defense lines feature Militao, Arnold, and a mix of established and emerging talents. In midfield, the combination of Bellingham, Camavinga, Valverde, and Chouaméni provides a blend of technical ability and box-to-box energy. Up front, the usual suspects—Vinícius Jr., Rodrygo, and Mbappé—offer pace, creativity, and clinical finishing, while a secondary attacking line includes J-Garcia and Diaz, among others, depending on tactical needs.

Madrid’s technical plan reportedly did not rely on starting Mastantono in the Liverpool game; instead, Alonso intends to preserve Camavinga’s role, as shown in recent domestic fixtures, while adapting to the evolving landscape surrounding the squad’s health and match readiness. The broader challenge remains: how to balance a high-intensity schedule with player welfare, ensuring key men are fresh for top-tier European nights.

With the squad list published, Madrid’s medical team continues to monitor Mastantono’s progress and determine whether he will be available for upcoming fixtures, including the league clash against Rio Vallecano and potentially the international window with Argentina. The situation remains dynamic and could shift based on day-to-day symptoms and clinical assessments.

Real Madrid’s official lineup for the clash includes a mix of veterans and young talents, underscoring the club’s depth and strategic flexibility for a night that could swing the group’s balance. The drama of Anfield, the memory of Istanbul, and the pragmatism of a modern squad all converge as the whistle nears.

In closing, Alonso emphasized the human side of football: the joy of returning to a familiar stadium, the pride of wearing the Real Madrid shirt, and the relentless pursuit of victory that defines top-level football. He urged patience, focus, and collective effort as the team seeks a memorable result against a Liverpool side that remains a stern test for any visitor.

And as fans await kickoff, a final thought lingers: football isn’t just about tactics; it’s about moments that leave you breathless, and sometimes about a press conference that’s almost as entertaining as the match itself. If you’re looking for drama, you’ve brought your popcorn to the right game.