Groin injuries are complicated and Xabi Alonso is determined not to rush his recovery. "I'm not setting a date. It's a deceptive injury. I'm making progress, but I'm still not quite there," said the Real Madrid midfielder. From his comments, it is clear that he will not be back in time for the 'Clásico' in a week and a half's time.
The player is still not ready to rejoin the rest of the squad for training. "With the competition underway, it's difficult. The team is flying and I can barely do anything. I speak to the physios every day, and we don't want to make any wrong moves," he said.
Alonso is grateful for the way in which Ancelotti is treating him, in spite of his prolonged absence. "You can tell he used to be a player when he speaks to us." He is expecting great things from the Itailian. He just needs time: "The foundations are there. With some good signings, we are looking good at the moment and we have a promising future. The youngsters breathe life into the project for the long term."
One of those youngsters is Illarramendi, the man who has filled his boots in many of the games which he has missed. "He is learning what Real is about little by little." He sees Isco's signing as more decisive: "He has contributed a lot in the middle of the pitch."
He is not concerned about the debate over Real's style of play: "It has to be flexible. Modern football presents different challenges."
He admitted that he is suffering watching his team's games from the sidelines. "Football looks a lot easier from the outside; it is much easier to form an opinion."
0 comments:
Post a Comment