The Xabi Alonso era begins

Real Madrid concluded their preparations for their debut of the new season in the Spanish league today against Osasuna, with the news that Argentine Franco Mastantuono completed his fourth training session with the group and was included in Xabi Alonso's squad, who will be without four players: Jude Bellingham, Ferland Mendy, Eduardo Camavinga and Endrick.

After making his official debut in the Club World Cup, the time has come for Alonso, with a little more work under his belt at the helm of the Merengue team, to officiate his first La Liga match.

At a press conference, he highlighted Mastantuono's "personality" and left open the possibility that he could make his debut today at the Santiago Bernabéu.

"Yes, he could get minutes tomorrow," said the coach, who praised the left-footer's quality and combative nature.

Good news for the Real Madrid manager is that Federico Valverde, one of his captains, has overcome a muscle strain and is ready to start.

The coach also supported Rodrygo Goes despite rumors about his departure that have been circulating for months.

"I'm counting on everyone here, and I want them all to be at 100 percent. We need that, for the team to function with everyone with the energy and necessary attitude," he said.

At the same press conference, he took the opportunity to criticize La Liga, lamenting that it hadn't agreed to postpone his team's first match, although he clarified that this would not be an excuse: "The team can compete tomorrow; desire and heart drive us much more than legs," he said.

Alonso expressed his excitement about returning to the Bernabéu. "We have to start a path to get where we want to be in May," he emphasized.

"I'm happy to be back," the coach concluded, motivated by the reunion with Real Madrid fans.— EFE