Real Madrid coach Xabi Alonso said the team's shortened pre-season will not be used as an excuse as they prepare to kick off their La Liga campaign at home to Osasuna on Tuesday. 

Alonso will take charge at the Santiago Bernabeu for the first time after beginning his reign at the Club World Cup in the United States, where Madrid reached the semi-finals. Madrid's request to postpone their league opener to a later date was rejected by Spanish football officials, and the team have played just one friendly since their 4-0 loss to Paris Saint-Germain in New Jersey on July 9. 

"Obviously it would have been nice to receive some support with our request, especially for the players' health... after such a long season and to have a little more preparation time," Alonso said on Monday.