Xabi Alonso clarifies Rodrygo’s exclusion from the team amid Premier League transfer rumors.

Real Madrid manager Xabi Alonso has clarified that he made the “decision” to bench Rodrygo during the team’s 1-0 victory over Osasuna.

Real Madrid’s match against Osasuna at the Santiago Bernabeu on Tuesday marked Alonso’s first La Liga match as head coach after taking Carlo Ancelotti’s place at the end of the previous campaign.

Alonso got off to a winning start in La Liga when Kylian Mbappe scored the game’s lone goal, a penalty kick in the second half.

Before adding Franco Mastantuono and Gonzalo Garcia as two attackers off the bench, Alonso started Brahim Diaz, Vinicius Junior, and Mbappe as his front three.

But the 43-year-old decided not to use Rodrygo, who was forced to watch the entire match from the bench.

The decision to bench Rodrygo, who has been linked to teams like Manchester City, Liverpool, and Arsenal, has only increased conjecture about his future with the Spanish powerhouses.

When asked why he chose not to use Rodrygo in the league opener, Alonso took responsibility for his choice in a post-game interview.

“Rodrygo? There’s nothing going on,” Alonso informed reporters. “Of course, I rely on Rodrygo. It’s only a game; I made this choice.”

Although Man City is one of Rodrygo’s possible suitors, it is unlikely that they will increase their interest before the window closes on September 1.

Man City will only try to sign Rodrygo if Savinho completes a move to Tottenham Hotspur, according to Fabrizio Romano.

According to the update, Man City’s management is hesitant to approve the Brazilian’s departure during the current transfer window.

Savinho, who only joined the Citizens from sister club Troyes last summer, has a long-term contract that expires in the summer of 2029.