Real Madrid manager
Los Blancos suffered a humiliating 5-2 defeat to city rivals Atletico Madrid at the start of the season, their only defeat in 12 matches in all competitions, but Alonso believes his team have learned from that setback and are now stronger.
“Without a doubt, it has been a few weeks in which we are doing things right, doing things better,” Alonso told reporters at Saturday's press conference.
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“For tomorrow, we are reaching a good moment in terms of morale, football and our competitive level. It is a good time for us.”
Alonso acknowledged that El Clasico presents another big test, especially after Real Madrid's 4-0 defeat to Paris Saint-Germain in the Club World Cup semi-final earlier this year.
“These are important games,” he said. “And I like to evaluate not only on the basis of results, but also on the basis of process. In these 12 Games, there has been clear growth. There is still room for improvement, but it is only October; no trophies or medals have been awarded yet. The most important thing now is tomorrow's Clasico.”
Barcelona, under Carlo Ancelotti, dominated the Clásicos with Madrid last season, winning both league fixtures as well as reaching the Copa del Rey and Spanish Super Cup finals. But Alonso, who took charge of Los Blancos in June, says this time will be different.
“Yes, there may be similar circumstances, but this moment is different for them and for us,” said Alonso.
“Our project is new, we are still building, working on things daily. Tomorrow we will try to bring our strengths to the fore and play a great game.”
