Real Madrid manager Xabi Alonso said that it was his decision to leave Rodrygo without minutes in the club's 1-0 win over Osasuna at the Bernabéu on Tuesday amid transfer links to Premier League clubs.

Rodrygo’s absence from the pitch in Madrid’s league opener further added to the list of uncertainties about the Brazilian’s future at the Spanish giants. After being a regular starter under Carlo Ancelotti last season, things changed for the 24-year-old during the Club World Cup after Xabi Alonso took charge as head coach.

Real Madrid head coach Xabi Alonso has reiterated that he is “counting” on Rodrygo following yet another snub. Rodrygo was an unused substitute for Los Blancos on Tuesday night as they kicked off their 2025-26 La Liga campaign with a 1-0 win at home to 10-man Osasuna.