Real Madrid manager Xabi Alonso has suggested Lamine Yamal is not good for his nerves and said Real Madrid’s game against Osasuna on Tuesday should have been postponed.
The Spanish FA turned down Madrid’s request to put the match back because of a lack of recovery time following the end of their Club World Cup campaign in the US on July 9.
“It’s now immutable but for our request – especially for the players’ health – it would have been nice to receive that support,” said Alonso, who joined Madrid from Leverkusen before the competition started.
“It wasn’t possible. We’ve only had two weeks and there are no excuses. The team can compete tomorrow. Heart and desire are stronger than legs.”
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Xabi Alonso on Lamine Yamal
One of Alonso’s toughest challenges during his first season in LaLiga is likely to be stopping Spain sensation Yamal, who scored 18 times and set up 25 goals in 55 appearances in all competitions as Barcelona dethroned Madrid in 2024/25.
The 18-year-old winger has three goals and two assists in seven career meetings with Los Blancos.
“I don’t have a blood pressure monitor,” Alonso replied when he was asked about the “phenomenon” of Yamal.
“He’s been an important player for Barca and the national team. It’s time to face him.”
Alonso: Vinicus Jr, Mbappe made ‘step forward’
2023/24 Bundesliga winner Alonso is expected to ask his decorated strikeforce, which includes Brazil livewire Vinicius Jr and last season’s LaLiga top scorer, Kylian Mbappe, to take more responsibilities in Madrid’s press and defending.
“It’s a matter of all the lines being aware of it,” the 43-year-old said. “It’s important for the forwards not to get caught out in transitions but also that when we attack, the defensive line pushes.
“We want to function as a team. That’s going to help us improve at all distances, both when we defend and when we attack.
“It’s very important to be aware of [the lines]. I think we made a step forward at the Club World Cup. It’s something we’re very aware of and have been working on.”
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Real Madrid 2025/26: Alonso ‘a doer’
Madrid failed to win a trophy during the final season in charge for Alonso’s predecessor, Carlo Ancelotti, and now face opponents who narrowly missed out on European qualification.
“I’m more of a doer than a sayer,” said Alonso, who won every major domestic trophy and the Champions League as a Madrid midfielder between 2009 and 2014.
“Promising before doing doesn’t usually work in football. We’re also eager to bring that energy to the stadium and deserve it.
“Just saying it won’t make it happen. We want to start down that path. The memories I have are very good.
“I returned and felt the affection. Now my role is different but I’m excited and motivated, eager to feel that connection with the people again.
“Whatever happens, happens. Whatever I feel, I’m happy to be back.”
How to watch Madrid vs Osasuna: Live stream, TV channel
Kick-off on Tuesday is at 20:00 BST (15:00 ET / 12:00 PT), with live coverage in the UK on Premier Sports 2 and streaming available on a vast range of devices via the Premier Sports app.
A Premier Sports subscription costs £120 a year, £11.99 per month on a 12-month contract or £16.99 per month with 30 days’ cancellation notice required.
