Alonso: Mastantono can play as a forward and as a midfielder, and will not set the number of goals for Mbappe

At 3:30 am on August 25, in the second round of the 2025-26 La Liga, Real Madrid will play away against Oviedo. Before the game, Real Madrid coach Xavi Alonso attended the press conference and talked about some of the current situation of the team.

How do you view this game?

- It is undoubtedly a special game for Oviedo and their fans. Now we are about to set out. It is very important for us to continue to improve and maintain competitiveness on the away game. No matter where the game is, we must maintain a high level of performance. This is the third week since we started and we are looking forward to tomorrow's game.

Will Mastantono start?

—I saw that he was in good shape a few days ago, he was full of impact and full of vitality. Since he is in the team's lineup, he has the same chance to play as everyone else.

About Cazorla

-I haven't communicated with him yet because I'm more focused on the game, on us. I have wonderful memories of him as a player and as a teammate. At the 2008 European Cup, we all created a great atmosphere in the locker room. You can see how fans love him, and from a football perspective, he is also a very good player. I was happy with all he did, he returned home and I hope he enjoyed his game in Oviedo.

Is Vinicius important to you?

- I said a few days ago that considering the World Cup, the situation is a little different. We only played one game, and the data is not entirely convincing. All the players are important and I count on them, and after I decide on the roster, everyone in them is likely to be the starter.

About marks on the court

- whether it is tactical training or marking work... these marks provide us with guidance and reference. I've been using this method since I started coaching and it helps us a lot in our daily routine. I do this wherever I am.

Rodrigo has only started once since you coached

- for me, the season has just begun. We only played one game and all the decisions about the game and the starting lineup were my own responsibility. I've talked to a lot of players, including Rodrigo, of course.

About free kick pickers

-We haven't trained much in this regard, but some players have advantages: Guerre, Arnold, Mastantono, Mbappe. We still have a lot to do, but I won't specify who will take the penalty, we do have a lot of choices.

Do you think the lineup is complete? Is there still a midfielder?

- I am very happy with the current roster, but we must be always ready.

Do you think Mastantono mainly plays in the offensive line position?

- He can play both the front line and the front midfielder. When he was in the River Plate team, he often played No. 10. He has the ability to play in these two positions, he has good running ability and the ability to cooperate with his teammates.

About Bellingham

—Everyone needs to adapt, no one will play all the games, everyone has their own role.

Are you worried about the noise surrounding Vinicius?

- I think he is in good shape and the season has just begun. Everyone is very eager to have a good season and are very positive, which is the most important thing.

About the team formation

- We often discuss how to improve the game. There are still few games and limited information, so we need to analyze it step by step. We have players who are suitable for different systems, who clarify our philosophy and goals, and we can adjust flexibly.

How big does it think is the gap between Real Madrid and Barcelona? Do you feel like you are too far behind them?

-I am not worried about these things, I am more concerned about our own level and condition. Every week we want to be better and continue to grow as a team.

Do you think Mbappe can return to his best form? Will he set the number of goals?

—No, I will try my best to help him and let him help the team win the game. He is a key member of the team. The better the players cooperate, the better the team will perform.