Real Madrid is enjoying a flawless start to the season, winning all six of their league matches so far. With new coach Xabi Alonso leading the team, they are set to face their city rivals, Atletico, in the highly anticipated Madrid derby this Saturday.
Despite their perfect record, Alonso is making sure his players remain focused. He believes that past results don’t guarantee future wins, especially in a tough match like the derby. For Real, this is a chance to continue their winning streak, while for Atletico, it’s an opportunity to close the points gap and gain momentum.
🤔 Staying Focused is Key
Coach Xabi Alonso warned his team against becoming too confident. Although Real has won every game, he pointed out that “some games were a real struggle.” He stressed that the team cannot win just by showing up. “You can’t think that just by stepping onto the pitch you’ll win because of the badge you wear,” he said. Alonso believes that being mentally prepared and focused for every match is the real secret to winning consistently.
🔥 The Special Feeling of the Derby
Having played for Real for five seasons, Alonso understands the passion and intensity of the Madrid derby. He described the rivalry with Atletico as “healthy” and “beautiful,” something fans have enjoyed for many years. While he has faced Atletico as a manager before with his former club Bayer Leverkusen, he acknowledged that leading Real into this match is a completely different experience. He hopes everyone can enjoy the special atmosphere of the game.
🤝 Respecting the Opponent
Currently, Atletico is nine points behind Real in the league standings, but Alonso insists this doesn’t mean much. “The standings don’t say much right now,” he stated, reminding everyone that Real has not beaten Atletico in their last two league encounters. He also showed great respect for Atletico’s long-serving coach, Diego Simeone, calling his 14-year tenure “very important.” As a new coach, Alonso prefers to take things one step at a time, focusing on the long road ahead.
