Before Real Madrid's first game of the 2025-26 La Liga season, Xabi Alonso held a press conference previewing the upcoming match against Osasuna at the Santiago Bernabeu.
This marks his first La Liga match as Real Madrid manager, having begun his professional managerial career in 2022.
Alonso was asked about the squad ahead of the first game of the season, having already coached the team in a couple of games at the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup. The manager assured that the team will improve after their display in the Club World Cup.
One of the big topics involving Real Madrid this summer is Rodrygo’s future, who may be on the way out as Manchester City are interested in the Brazilian. Rodrygo’s minutes at Real Madrid have reduced since last season, and only started one game under Xabi Alonso.
Xabi Alonso Addresses Rodrygo Rumors
Rodrygo was benched for three out of six Real Madrid games in the Club World Cup this summer, which sparked rumors of the Brazilian potentially being out of Xabi Alonso’s plans for next season.
When asked about rumors circulating about Rodrygo’s future, Alonso clarified that the Brazilian player will be considered part of the team for the game against Osasuna and that the talks of his departure from the club are temporarily put to rest with his words on the squad.
Xabi Alonso: Rumors in the summer, there is a lot for a lot of players. But I've seen Rodrygo well, and I count on everyone. With everyone that I count on, I want them to feel for the team, to be for the team, and to be at 100%.”
Rodrygo was officially involved in the squad for the game against Osasuna. Other star names like Kylian Mbappe and Vinicius Jr. will feature in the game as well.