Xabi Alonso insists he counts on Rodrygo despite benching in La Liga opener

Overall

• Real Madrid began their La Liga 2025/26 campaign with a 1-0 win over Osasuna.
• Rodrygo was left out of the action.
• Xabi Alonso insisted that Rodrygo remains in his plans.

Real Madrid began their La Liga 2025/26 campaign with a 1-0 win over Osasuna at the Santiago Bernabéu. However, Brazilian forward Rodrygo was left out of the action, raising further questions about his future at the club. The 23-year-old has been linked with a potential move away, with several Premier League sides – including Liverpool, Arsenal, and Manchester City – reportedly showing interest.

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Madrid’s new manager, Xabi Alonso, addressed the speculation and insisted that Rodrygo remains in his plans.

"It was only a match. If in three months he still isn't getting these minutes, then it's different," Alonso said. "Nothing's going on. The Club World Cup was a different context because of the competition that it was. But this was just one game. I think we can leave the Club World Cup behind us and what really counts is this season. And of course I count on Rodrygo. It's just one game, we don't have to read too much in the future.”

Most likely next destination for Rodrygo will be the EPL

Alonso further clarified his decision. "If he has those [lack of] minutes in three months, then I can tell you with more certainty. But, today was the circumstances of the match and my decisions [not to play him]," he added.

Despite ongoing speculation, no concrete talks have taken place between Madrid and other clubs regarding Rodrygo’s transfer. Sources suggest, however, that if the forward does eventually move, the English Premier League is likely to be his next destination.

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Meanwhile, Madrid’s win over Osasuna came through a controversial penalty, converted by star forward Kylian Mbappé, which proved to be the match’s decisive moment. Alonso, though satisfied with the result, admitted that the team still has work to do.

"There were positives, beginning with the result. We still need a few things that will give us stability to keep progressing," the manager said.