Alonso explains Rodrygo selection snub amid PL transfer

Real Madrid boss Xabi Alonso has explained that it was his “decision” to leave Rodrygo on the bench for the 1-0 win over Osasuna.

After replacing Carlo Ancelotti at the end of last season, Alonso took charge of his first La Liga game as Real Madrid head coach in Tuesday’s meeting with Osasuna at the Santiago Bernabeu.

Kylian Mbappe scored the only goal of the game, dispatching a second-half penalty to get Alonso off to a winning start in La Liga. 

Alonso started Brahim Diaz, Vinicius Junior and Mbappe as his front three, before he introduced two attackers from the bench in Franco Mastantuono and Gonzalo Garcia. 

Alonso delivers Rodrygo update

However, the 43-year-old opted against using Rodrygo, who had to watch on from the bench for the full duration of the contest. 

The decision to leave Rodrygo on the sidelines has only added to the speculation surrounding his future with the Spanish giants, having been linked with the likes of Arsenal, Liverpool and Manchester City. 

Speaking after the game, Alonso took ownership of his decision when asked why he decided against using Rodrygo in the league opener.

“Rodrygo? Nothing is happening,” Alonso told reporters. “I count on Rodrygo of course. It’s just a game, this was my decision.”

What’s the latest on Man City’s Rodrygo interest?

Man City are among Rodrygo’s potential suitors, but as things stand, they are unlikely to step up their interest before the window shuts on September 1.

As per Fabrizio Romano, Man City will only attempt to sign Rodrygo if Savinho completes a move to Tottenham Hotspur.

The update claims that the Man City hierarchy are reluctant to sanction the Brazilian’s departure in the current transfer window. 

Savinho has a long-term contract until the summer of 2029 after only joining the Citizens from sister club Troyes last summer. 

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