Xabi Alonso on Mbappé: “I Don’t See Him as Anxious; His Leadership Drives Real Madrid in the Champions League”

Xabi Alonso’s Champions League Debut as Real Madrid Manager

The former midfielder, who won the Champions League with Real Madrid as a player, now faces the challenge from the sidelines with “maximum excitement” and an awareness of the high expectations at the club in this competition.

“If the Champions League is special everywhere, at Real Madrid it’s even more so. At the Bernabéu, with all its history, it’s even more motivating. We’re starting with a desire to grow against a tough opponent like Marseille.”

Alonso recalled the difficulty of winning the Décima and how previous defeats shaped the team:

“Before we won it, we had three semifinals. We learned that to lift the Champions League, you first have to lose. Then, with Zidane, winning three in a row was historic.”

Dani Carvajal, a Key Figure in the Madrid Dressing Room

The coach also praised the recovery of Dani Carvajal, who is now fully fit after overcoming a knee injury. For Alonso, the Madrid captain is a vital leader:

“His competitive spirit has never changed. Since joining in 2013, he’s been key. Now, with his maturity and influence in the dressing room, he’s a reference point for his teammates. He’s one of those leaders who make a difference.”