Alonso Sets the Tone: Locker Room Truths and a Serious Madrid Mindset Ahead of Kairat Almaty
29 septembre 2025
Alonso: Locker Room Talk Was Necessary and Madrid Will Take Kairat Almaty Seriously
The Spanish coach Xabi Alonso said every squad member is needed as Real Madrid head to Kairat Almaty for the second matchday of the Champions League, aiming to rebound from a 5-2 La Liga defeat to Atletico Madrid.
Madrid travel to the Kazakh side on Tuesday for the second group-stage fixture, with Alonso stressing that a strong continental start would set the tone for the campaign.
On the derby loss, he said the feeling should last 24 hours at most before shifting focus to analysis—not just the scoreline, but pace, structure, and the details of the game.
He added that the club must learn from the derby and move on: with Jude Bellingham, Vinícius Júnior, Rodrygo, Camavinga, Valverde, Tchouaméni, Arda Güler, and Dani Ceballos, Madrid have many weapons at their disposal.
Alonso described the locker room as engaged, with necessary conversations helping to build a fighting team. He framed this as a building phase: progress can require stepping back before stepping forward.
Regarding fixture pressure, he said adaptation is essential and there are no excuses; the squad must push forward after the derby and focus on the Champions League tomorrow.
He cited footballing reasons behind the derby loss, noting the team had not been at their best for about 58 days, and emphasized that returning to the Champions League atmosphere will sharpen their focus.
As for team selection, Alonso hinted Real Madrid will be competitive against a disciplined Kairat that reaches the Champions League for the first time, and that changes could be part of the plan.
In preparation, he urged the team to play well, press intensely, defend firmly, and attack with intent. Against a well-organised Kairat, starting strong from the first whistle is essential, he said.
Madrid’s examination of Kairat includes their recent displays against Celtic and Sporting Lisbon, showing a mix of direct play and varied attacking options. Madrid will study closely to counter.
The injury list for Madrid ahead of the match includes Eder Militao and Dani Carvajal, with others like Rudiger, Mendy, and Trent Alexander-Arnold also sidelined.
Real Madrid’s matchday squad was confirmed, with Courtois, Lunin, and Navarro among the goalkeepers, and a mix of experienced and youthful defenders and midfielders ready to face Kairat.
In the Champions League group stage, Madrid will meet Marseille, Monaco, Kairat Almaty, Olympiakos, Benfica, Juventus, Manchester City, and Liverpool. Last season they exited at the quarterfinals to Arsenal, a reminder that nothing is guaranteed in Europe.
Bottom line: Madrid go into the match with a no-nonsense mindset, aiming to balance recovery from the derby with a strong continental performance.
Punchline 1: If football were a movie, the locker room montage would be the box-office hit—drama beats drama clubs every time, apparently.
Punchline 2: Real Madrid’s plan this week is simple: avoid red cards and, if possible, win the knockout-stage lottery. Either way, the popcorn stays crunchy.
