Xabi Alonso Ahead of the Super Cup Final: "We Are Not Kamikazes with Mbappé"

The desert air in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, is thick with tension as Real Madrid prepares to face FC Barcelona in the grand final of the Spanish Super Cup. Speaking to the press at the King Abdullah Stadium, Xabi Alonso cut a composed but determined figure. For the 44-year-old manager, this isn't just a quest for silverware; it is a vital opportunity to silence mounting criticism and regain momentum against a Barcelona side that currently leads the "Blancos" in the La Liga standings.

Alonso’s task is formidable. Hansi Flick’s Barcelona enters the final riding a wave of euphoria after a crushing 5-0 victory over Athletic Club in the semifinals. Furthermore, the Blaugrana will be bolstered by the return of Lamine Yamal to the starting lineup, adding another layer of complexity to Madrid’s defensive planning.

Despite Barcelona's momentum, Alonso remains unfazed by the noise. He emphasized that in a 90-minute Clásico, tactical discipline and emotional intelligence are the deciding factors.

"It’s 90 minutes; anything can happen, and we are preparing to win the match. We believe in ourselves and are convinced we can do it," Alonso stated. "It will be a game with moments for everything. We have to be convinced of what we are doing, maintaining the necessary energy and organization. We know Barcelona well, and they know us. At this stage, there are no secrets. We need to play a 'complete game' both when we have the ball and when we are defending, regardless of whether we press high or sit deep. Barcelona has many important players, and we must respect that."

The biggest storyline in the Madrid camp is the fitness of Kylian Mbappé. The French superstar has been sidelined with a knee sprain, but he traveled to Saudi Arabia with one clear goal: to start on Sunday. Alonso provided a detailed update on the striker's condition, highlighting a cautious but optimistic approach.

"He is much better," Alonso confirmed. "Against Atlético, it was too soon, and we decided not to rush him, but always with the idea that he could join us for the final depending on his sensations. He flew in yesterday and will train with the team today. We will evaluate it together and decide if he starts or plays a smaller role."

When pushed by reporters on the possibility of a relapse—a scenario that could derail Madrid's Champions League and league aspirations—Alonso was firm about the club's medical ethics.

"It’s a decision we will make between the player, the coaches, and the doctors. You always have to measure the risk. We have to know the moment we are in and what is at stake. We are not kamikazes when making decisions. It is a 'controlled risk.'"

The final tactical piece of the puzzle involves stopping Barcelona’s lethal duo: Lamine Yamal and Raphinha. Lamine’s emergence as a world-class threat at such a young age has forced every manager in Europe to rethink their defensive transitions. Alonso acknowledged the teenager's impact but insisted that Madrid would not abandon their identity to stop him.

"I’m not going to discover anything new about him. At his age, the level he has shown for Barcelona and the national team is fantastic; he is a 'different' player. However, his presence doesn't change our overall preparation. We know he can unbalance a game from his position, but our tactical approach remains the same. It’s about managing the spaces they generate."

For Xabi Alonso, a win in Jeddah would be more than just a trophy to put in the cabinet; it would be a statement of intent. Defeating Hansi Flick's high-flying Barcelona would prove that the "Alonso Project" is capable of weathering the storm and thriving under the highest pressure. With Mbappé potentially leading the line and a thirst for revenge after recent league setbacks, Real Madrid looks ready to turn the Saudi desert into a "Merengue" celebration.