Saturday, January 10, 2026, 11:14
«Mbappé is much better. The idea before starting the Super Cup was that it would arrive right against Atlético, so we decided not to accelerate but taking into account that if we reached the final we would appreciate it coming. “It depends on your feelings,” said Xabi Alonso this Saturday at the press conference prior to the Super Cup final.
The Tolosa coach knows that a good part of the chances of winning the title depend on the health of his best player, a footballer capable of modifying his team’s approach and also that of a rival who can play conditioned by the presence of Mbappé. All this influences Xabi Alonso who knows that it can be a turning point in the season. «We have to measure the risk, know where we are and what we are at risk. We are not kamikazes when it comes to making decisions, it is a controlled risk,” he analyzed.
It is a match in which the certainty of a Barça that has approached its best level and the doubts of a Real Madrid that continues to search for the identity that Xabi Alonso wants to provide it intersect. These two dynamics do not concern Xabi Alonso. «It is a final and anything can happen. It’s a special game, we’ve wanted to be here for a long time. The emotional aspect will be important, you have to know how to compete to be able to win it,” he stated, while acknowledging that “the context will be different from that of the last classic” and that it will be important to “feel convinced.”
Part of Xabi Alonso’s plan involves nullifying Barcelona’s main swords. The most important perhaps is a Pedri who ruled in the classics last year and who perhaps, due to his demarcation, plays in one of the most fragile areas of the white team. «We know them well, there are no secrets. There are many players and Pedri is one of them, but there are others who are also important,” he assured before praising Lamine Yamal who “has given a fantastic level, but who does not condition the preparation of the match.”
Vinicius under magnifying glass
Finally, Xabi Alonso spoke about the delicate moment that Vinicius is going through. The Brazilian has sixteen consecutive games without scoring with the white team, he is still not decisive in the defensive aspect and also had a confrontation with Simeone in the semifinal. Despite this, his coach was understanding with him before the final. «I hope to see him smile. Every player is different and at every moment you have to have that intelligence. Vini is emotional. You have to know how to be close to him. The teammates and the coaching staff send it to them well. It’s a matter of moments. He will once again have a high level and will be decisive. We need him no matter what tomorrow,” he said.
