Xabi's response about Rodrygo's future sparks controversy: 'I spoke yesterday...'

The saga starring Rodrygo Goes continues due to his poor performance in the Club World Cup, as well as his limited impact on Real Madrid's journey through the competition. The future of Real Madrid's number 11 verdeamarelo is increasingly in doubt thanks to the approaches from several Premier League clubs.

One of the most notable is Arsenal: the information published by Mario Cortegana even points to "preliminary talks" between the Osasco striker's camp and some gunner representatives. In any case, Rodrygo is still a Real Madrid player and Xabi Alonso counts on him in every respect.

Even to answer questions about his current status within the first team. The Tolosa coach had to address the issue during the press conference prior to the match against Borussia Dortmund, for the Club World Cup quarterfinals. "I spoke with him yesterday, he's focused on winning and ready for whenever we need him," the Basque coach stated.

Given the situation, Xabi Alonso has secured Rodrygo Goes's commitment to the current sports project, participating in the tournament in the United States. Despite having accumulated just 23 minutes in the last three matches, a very low figure for a regular starter at Real Madrid, the Brazilian striker has a place in the team.

He still doesn't solve the big question

It remains to be seen what his long-term future is in Real Madrid's sports discipline. Xabi Alonso has decided to focus that question, received during his last press conference, on the most immediate moments of a player whose future doesn't bring optimistic news. So much so that in the Valdebebas offices, according to "The Athletic", they wouldn't oppose his departure.

The aforementioned American outlet reveals that the white bosses also won't pressure the Osasco striker to leave Santiago Bernabéu locker room. Given the situation, the responsibility for managing Rodrygo Goes's minutes for now, until his situation is clarified, depends on Xabi Alonso.

The white coach has already indicated that he counts on the Brazilian player for Real Madrid's upcoming matches in the Club World Cup... although he also doesn't reveal what role he occupies in the match planning carried out, for example, against opponents of the caliber of BorussiaDortmund.

Securing a spot in the coach from Tolosa's preferred starting eleven is increasingly complicated: the loss of prominence of Rodrygo Goes is a clear example. The same goes for Gonzalo García, who could lose his place to Kylian Mbappé despite his excellent performance in the United States.