Paris Saint-Germain manager Luis Enrique has told the press that it would be unfair to judge Xabi Alonso and Real Madrid from their club World Cup Semi-Final, in which they were comfortably beaten by the Champions League holders. Alonso's side went two goals in the first ten minutes, but could not recover.
Alonso itself made that point not so many words and stated that this was the end of the 2024-25 season, instead of the beginning of the 2025-26 years. He also promised that there would be changes.
After the match against Marca, Luis Enrique was asked if the result was a fair reflection in the gap between the two parties.
“I think Xabi needs time to work, to have a pre-season. I don't know if this 4-0 results reflect the difference between the two, but these are incomparable situations with his team, which is just starting. I have worked on this project for two years now. It doesn't matter if it reflects or not.”
“That was the difference in the score, which is the most important thing. Xabi has played six games. He needs the necessary time to have a pre -season. It is not necessary to evaluate it in one way or another because he has not had time to do anything. Totally different and incomparable situations.”
Before the game, Luis Enrique had noted that matches against Real Madrid were always exciting for him, as a member of Barcelona. The Asturian coach rejected the idea that his side had taken their foot off the gas early.
“No. We have not set the breaks. My phone is full of messages from Barca fans who congratulate me. If you play against the big teams, you give 100%. Real Madrid is and will be great. We were never delayed, although there were players who needed rest because there was a risk of extreme fatigue.”
It looked incoherent for Los Blancos, but Alonso was adamant that his party had not only improved since the start of the tournament, but also that he was now clear about what Real Madrid needed. Whether he gets it is another matter. Real Madrid is going to intervene with their star forwards in an attempt to tackle their working speed, while Alvaro Carreras is the only expected signature when things stand.