Xabi Alonso responds to Lamine Yamal’s controversial comments before El Clásico

Lamine Yamal smiled mischievously after Real Madrid’s last game, tossing out the jab: “Madrid steals and then complains.” It was another display of confidence from the young Barcelona winger, who seems to be following in Gerard Piqué’s footsteps - sharp, provocative, and not afraid to stir things up off the field as well as on it.

Xabi Alonso, however, is his polar opposite. On the eve of El Clásico, the Real Madrid coach refused to take the bait. “I’m not going to get into that,” he said. “There are a lot of statements coming from people in Barcelona, and I can’t comment on all of them. For us, what matters is on the grass, what happens on the field.”

Despite repeated questions, he stuck to that line. The press conference, as a result, felt subdued, unusually calm before such a massive game, and quite a contrast to the more animated pre-Clásico briefings under Carlo Ancelotti.

Real Madrid starting lineup vs. Barcelona: no hints

Alonso wouldn’t reveal his starting eleven. But when asked if a player at “80 percent” fitness could still start, he was firm: “If someone is in the squad, it’s because they’re ready to play.”

He once again praised Kylian Mbappé and, when asked whether Madrid is playing good football, said, “Yes, I like what I see. We’re competing very well, but we can still improve.”

“The Bernabéu has to feel like a big-game stadium”

When asked about the home atmosphere, Alonso was clear: “El Clásico is always special. It has been for many years, and it still will be. It’s the first one of the season, part of this new project. We want the stadium to have that big-game energy, to vibrate, to push us forward. Hopefully, we can celebrate with our fans at the end.”

On Lamine Yamal’s comments

Pressed again about Yamal’s remarks, Alonso repeated, “I’m not going there. What matters is the field, where we come from, what’s ahead of us, and how we want to play. That’s what I care about and what we’ve been working on.”

Learning from last season’s Clásicos

“There might be some similar situations,” Alonso said. “We’ve analyzed them, but the moment is different now for both teams. Our project is just beginning, and we’re still building. We’ve studied what we need to strengthen to have a great game.”

Asked how he personally approaches this Clásico, he smiled: “I’m good. Aware of what this game means. But our daily routine doesn’t change much. It’s a special match, for sure, but we approach it like the others.”

When reminded that he wasn’t revealing his lineup, he laughed: “You understand me well.” Then, confirming he’s made up his mind, added, “I have it in my head. Carvajal, Trent, Huijsen, they’re in the squad. We’ve recovered almost everyone who missed the Juventus game. You’ll see the lineup tomorrow.”

“Everyone in the squad is ready to play”

Asked whether a player at 80 or 90 percent could start, Alonso responded, “Anyone in the squad can start. It depends on what we need tactically, technically, and emotionally. But if you’re on the list, you can play.”

On whether passes behind Barcelona’s defense could be key, he said, “With the quality we have, those situations can happen. But first, we have to build them. It’s not just what happens behind their back line, but how we reach that point. The small details make the difference in these games.”

“We all have to be decisive”

Asked if left back Álvaro Carreras could be decisive in stopping Yamal, Alonso replied, “Everyone has to be decisive, both offensively and defensively. We expect the highest level, individually and collectively.”

When reminded that Madrid struggled in big games against PSG and Atlético, he didn’t flinch. “I just want us to play well, win, and celebrate with our fans. We treat every match as important, but of course, this one is special. It’s the most important for now.”

Kylian Mbappé’s form and motivation

Asked about Mbappé’s mindset, Alonso said, “He’s doing great, just like the rest. Everyone knows what this game means. Kylian is motivated, but the whole group is ready. Asensio’s also back after recovering well from the Juventus match.”

Pressed on what exactly he asks from Mbappé, Alonso explained: “We talk about efficiency, how to find positions, how to make his presence count. It’s not just about goals, but the moments he creates that make the team better. Kylian is essential to that collective quality. We’re working on making sure he and his teammates understand each other’s movements.”

Real Madrid continues to grow

Since the derby loss to Atlético weeks ago, Alonso feels the team has made progress. “We’ve corrected things. We’re arriving in a good moment, mentally, technically, and competitively.”

With 11 wins in 12 games, he brushed off the focus on the one blemish. “It’s too early to judge the project by one result. I prefer to value the process, and we’ve grown over these 12 matches. There’s still room for improvement, and it’s only October. No trophies are handed out yet. Right now, the only thing that matters is tomorrow’s Clásico.”

“I like how we play, but we can be even better”

Asked again if Madrid is playing good football, he said, “Yes, I like what I see. We’re solid and reliable. The next step is to reach an even higher level. But we’re playing good football.”

As for whether Madrid needs a more traditional No. 9, Alonso said, “It depends on the game. Our striker isn’t a classic center forward, he’s more mobile, more precise with his passing and movement. That’s what we have, and we use it. But we’re flexible and ready to adjust if needed.”

Xabi Alonso: “We focus on ourselves”

Asked how he plans for a game where both teams press high, Alonso said, “The most important thing is always us, our strengths, our qualities. Football today is demanding, with and without the ball. You have to stay compact, control distances, and recognize when to press. That’s what we’ve been working on.”

Finally, asked whether Yamal’s words could affect the Spanish national team, Alonso laughed. “We’re back to that? (laughs) I’m only thinking about tomorrow’s game. It’s going to be intense and demanding. We need energy, adrenaline, and focus. That’s all I’m thinking about.”