In advance of Real Madrid’s 0-0 draw with Rayo Vallecano on 9th November, I was able to attend the pre-match press conference of Real Madrid’s head coach, Xabi Alonso.
We arrived to Ciudad Real Madrid at 10:30, on what can only be described as a glorious morning, with the sun beating down on the training pitches. An hour or so after arrival and, prior to the beginning of the press conference, members of the media were granted approximately 15 minutes of access to a first team training session, where they were able to take photos and record videos of some of the world’s best in action.
Having watched these players on television, their talent often transcends the screen, but you get a far greater sense of their ability and just how good they are when watching them up close and personal. I was particularly astounded by not only their technique, but also their spatial awareness, which allowed them to control the ball and pass it to one of their teammates so quickly after receiving it under pressure.
Once the allotted observation window had ended, we were sent back inside to the press room, where we waited for Alonso to conclude practice before he headed upstairs to address the media. During this time, camera operators checked meticulously to ensure that their lighting and sound levels were adjusted to perfection. With the knowledge that I will be in their position during the course of my studies – behind the camera at a press conference – I was making every effort to observe and memorise their routine, hoping that it would prove to be extremely useful in the future.
This press conference was not likely to be the most comfortable for the Los Blancos head coach. Madrid were coming into the game having narrowly lost to Liverpool at Anfield in the Champions League in midweek, and Rayo Vallecano had not been a happy hunting ground for them in recent years. Indeed, ahead of this game, Los Blancos were winless in their last three matches at the Estadio de Vallecas since a 1-0 triumph in February 2022.
Unsurprisingly therefore, Alonso was questioned about this series of disappointing results against Los Franjirrojos. However, he answered such questions with intelligence and composure, heavily commending Rayo manager Íñigo Pérez and his side, while also offering encouragement to his own players, whom he praised for their attitude and development. Despite the media training that club representatives no doubt receive, I nevertheless found it extremely impressive how managers such as Alonso are able to appear to be so natural and collected in front of the camera, even when faced with challenging questions.
Although the answers given by Alonso were those of a man who appeared to have everything under control, the level of scrutiny that one faces at Real Madrid is unlike any other club in world football. After the last question of the press conference was asked and the media began to disperse, attention quickly turned to the match the following evening. Ultimately, in football, it is on the pitch where the true mettle of a manager is tested and where the real talking is done. Yet the result will have done little to soften the spotlight and calm the media storm. I think it is fair to say that this will not be the only challenging press conference which Alonso will have to deal with during his time as Real Madrid head coach.