Without being attracted, but his authority firmly claimed, Xabi Alonso refused to say whether Mastantuono will start tomorrow. “Everyone in the team can start.” He gave the same evasive reaction when he was asked if Vinicius is a guaranteed starter. On Rodrygo he insisted to hurry to conclusions: “For me, the season and my time with the team hardly started. We are only one game in.”
He also clarified that the absence of the Brazilian against Osasuna was not due to a club directive to push him out: “All decisions about playing and selecting the starting eleven are exclusively and exclusive of me.”
During the coming match, he said: “It is certainly a special competition for Oviedo and their fans. For us it is the third week since we started, but we are enthusiastic about tomorrow's game.”
Xabi Alonso's pre-match Press conference:
How do you see the game? I am sure it is a special match for Oviedo and his fans. For us it is very important to continue to grow away from home, to be competitive and to maintain a high level, regardless of where we play. It is only our third week, but we are enthusiastic about tomorrow's game.
Can Mastantuono start? I recently saw him in good condition. He brought energy and impact. Since he is in the team, he has the same chance to play as someone else.
What is Santi Cazorla? I did not speak to him because I have been more focused on the team. But I have spectacular memories of him and both a player and a teammate. At Euro 2008 we had a great dressing room and he was part of that. You can see that the affection fans have for him, and in football terms he is exceptional. I am very happy for everything he has achieved. Now he is home again and I hope he likes to be a role model at Oviedo.
Is Vinicius a certain starter for you? I recently said that the context of the World Cup is a bit different. We are only one game in and statistics must be taken carefully. All players are important, I count on it and since I made the team, everyone can start.
We have seen that you have marked the training pitch. What for? For tactical and positional work to give our references. It is something that I have always done as a coach, and it helps us daily.
Rodrygo only started on the opening day. Did you talk to him about his role? For me the season has just begun. We only played one game. All decisions about line -ups and playing time are mine, exclusively and exclusive. I speak with many players, and of course I spoke with Rodrygo.
Free-Kick Takers? We have not worked much on it yet, but we have quality players: Arda, Trent, Mastantuono, Kylian … we still have to decide, but there are plenty of options.
Do you consider the team complete? Do you want a midfielder? I am happy with the team, but you must always be prepared.
Do you mainly see Mastantuono as an attacking player? He can play both deeper and as a playmaker. He often played as number 10 on River Plate. He has the quality and mobility to do both, and the opportunity to make contact with the people around him.
Does it not affect Bellingham on you? You have to adjust. Nobody will play every minute; Everyone has their role.
In Argentina there was controversy because Mastantuono was called by his first name, Franco. Did you talk to him about it? No, but I am focused on the player. Franco looks good. He fits well, it seems that he has been here longer and he laughs a lot.
Does the sound around Vinicius worry? I think he is fine with him. The season has hardly started and everyone wants to have a good year. The group is in a good state of mind, and that is the key.
Is this 4-3-3 your system? We talk a lot about how we can improve. With so few games there is limited information, so we have to analyze. We have players who are suitable for different systems, but the most important thing is to maintain a clear idea. We can be flexible.
How far are you from Barcelona? Do you feel behind them? I'm not worried about that. I am focused on our level and how we are doing. Week after week we continue to improve and grow like a team.
Do you expect you to get Mbappé back to its best form? Do you have a fixed target for him? No. My job is to help him so that he can help the team win games. He is fundamental to us. The better all the pieces fit together, the stronger we will be like a team. That will be one of the keys of our season.