Xabi Alonso: International break can ‘recharge Real Madrid’s batteries’

Xabi Alonso is hoping to utilise the incoming September international break as a chance for his squad to recharge.

First half goals from Arda Guler and Vinicius Junior secured victory for Alonso as his side returned to the Estadio Santiago Bernabeu in winning style.

It was a positive end to a first La Liga month in charge for Alonso with Real Madrid now onto three wins from his first three league games in charge back in Spanish capital.

The former La Roja international has shaken off his frustration of losing out to PSG in the FIFA Club World Cup and a limited preseason with his players.

Alonso has immediately looked to blood his new signings into the starting line up with Trent Alexander-Arnold, Dean Huijsen, Alvaro Carreras and Franco Mastantuono all starting against Mallorca.

Alexander-Arnold was denied a first La Liga assist, as Kylian Mbappe’s early goal was ruled out by VAR for offside, but Huijsen’s header teed up Arda Guler for the equaliser on the night.

The issue of the international break, at such an early point in the domestic season has displeased Alonso, with two more planned for October and November.

The Los Blancos boss admitted he would prefer the La Liga campaign to allow Real Madrid’s momentum to roll on but admitted it could be chance for certain players to recover.

“The international break? I don’t want it. I’s prefer to keep my squad together and keep working with them,” he said at full time

“We need as much time together as possible because we have lots of things to work on and fix.

“This is the start of this first block of the season, almost the final phase of the preseason. We are lacking minutes and experience and competing this phase with nine points is satisfying. Let’s recharge our batteries.”

The majority of Alonso’s squad will now head away on international duty in the coming weeks before a return to action away at Real Sociedad on September 13.