Real Madrid News
Xabi Alonso responds to Liverpool links amid Real Madrid uncertainty: ‘Never know what’ll happen in the future’
In the pre-match press conference heading into Real Madrid’s big game against Manchester City this midweek, Xabi Alonso broke the silence on his future.
The Spaniard remained a coy figure, giving diplomatic answers to questions regarding his future at Real Madrid.
The noise surrounding his future has also led to speculation linking him with a move to Liverpool, where Arne Slot’s days could be numbered as well.
Alonso, to that end, could emerge as a potential replacement, provided Real Madrid decide to part ways with the Basque tactician.
Xabi Alonso on potential Liverpool move
During the press conference, Alonso was asked about the speculation linking him to Liverpool.
In his response, the Real Madrid manager clearly stated that he is happy at Real Madrid and wants to stay at the Bernabeu.
However, he refused to rule out any scenarios in the future and, most importantly, admitted that there is a bond with Liverpool, his former club.
“There’s a bond with Liverpool. I’m in the place where I want to be [Real Madrid], you never know what will happen in the future,” he said (h/t Fabrizio Romano).
It must be noted that Alonso spent a significant chunk of his playing career at Liverpool, plying his trade at Anfield for five years. During his time at the club, he featured in over 200 competitive matches.
It is, therefore, clear that Alonso has a special bond with Liverpool. Even in his contract at Bayer Leverkusen, there was a clause that would have allowed him to join one of his three former clubs, with Liverpool being one of them.
While it was Real Madrid that won the race, an early end to his spell at the Bernabeu could tempt Alonso into taking the Liverpool job, where he would be able to reunite with former Leverkusen players Jeremie Frimpong and Florian Wirtz.
Real Madrid News
Real Madrid forward Vinicius Jr. admits finishing problem after another frustrating night vs Elche: ‘Can’t miss that much’
Vinicius Jr.’s difficult start in front of goal continued against Elche, and the Real Madrid forward did not need anyone to tell him he had missed another chance to make the difference.
The Brazilian finished the night without a goal despite having chances to get on the scoresheet, while his teammates could only watch from the bench as opportunities went begging.
Jose Mourinho had already identified the problem before kick-off, bluntly pointing to the issue facing his forward, stating, “He’s missing the goal.”
Vini offered an equally frank assessment afterwards.
Rather than hide from another frustrating evening, he accepted responsibility on social media: “The goals will come back; I can’t miss that much…”
Two chances, no finish for Vinicius
Vinicius had two particularly clear openings against Elche, but neither produced the finish Real Madrid needed from their star forward.
The first arrived when he found himself one-on-one with the opposition goalkeeper.
Instead of finding the net, Vinicius caught the ball with the tip of his foot and sent his effort wide. Arda Guler was available during the move and called for the ball, but Vini backed himself to finish the chance.
He had another opportunity after the interval, this time following an excellent pass from Guler during a quick Real Madrid transition. Again, though, Vinicius could not find the target.
His evening ended in the 68th minute, with Mourinho deciding the Brazilian was tired and turning his attention towards Sunday’s Atletico Madrid derby.
Mourinho has a bigger decision to make
The numbers show why Vinicius’ finishing has become a talking point. He managed five shots against Elche, but only one was on target and none found the net.
After seven appearances this season, the Brazilian has scored just once, which is a striking return for a player Real Madrid rely upon to provide a major share of their attacking threat.
Ultimately, though, Real Madrid found another route to victory, with Arda Guler, Kylian Mbappe and Carlos Espi providing the goals in the 3-2 comeback.
