Xabi Alonso sent a powerful message following his team’s narrow 1-0 victory against Osasuna.
Speaking after the match, Alonso made it clear that no player is guaranteed a starting spot in his squad. “In my team, nobody has a permanent place in the starting XI,” he said, underlining his philosophy of competition and meritocracy within the group. The statement highlights his determination to keep every player motivated and hungry, ensuring that performances on the pitch, not reputations, dictate who plays.
When asked about Rodrygo, who was left out of the starting lineup, Alonso reassured supporters that there was no reason for concern. “Rodrygo? Nothing serious at all. The Club World Cup was a different kind of experience, but what really matters is this season, and I absolutely count on him,” the coach explained. By saying this, Alonso made it clear that the Brazilian forward remains an important part of his project and that his absence was not linked to form or fitness issues.
The Spanish manager went on to stress that one single match should not lead to rushed judgments. “It was only one game; there is no need to jump to conclusions. My decision today was simply based on the context of the match,” he said. This approach reflects his tactical pragmatism, as well as his desire to maintain balance and flexibility in his squad. For Alonso, rotation is not a punishment but rather a strategy to keep the team sharp and adaptable throughout a demanding season.
In essence, Alonso’s post-match remarks send a clear message to both players and fans: competition within the team remains fierce, and every individual must continue to prove themselves if they want to earn a place on the pitch.
