Brahim: "Salzburg are a good side who are going to make things difficult for us"
"We're looking forward to tomorrow, we know it's a very important game," said Gonzalo ahead of the team's third game of the Club World Cup.
Lucas Vázquez, Brahim and Gonzalo spoke to the media on the day before the clash against Salzburg on matchday three of the Club World Cup group stage at Philadelphia's Lincoln Financial Field (Friday, 3 am CEST; Thursday, 9 pm local time). Brahim gave his views on the match: “It's going to be a tough game, we want to give our best, we want to try to have the most possession to be able to attack and create damage between the lines. We're all very good and I'm sure we'll help the team to win trophies.”
“We know what a great player Rodrygo is and how important he is, he's a great teammate. We're delighted to have him. I always have the ambition to want to succeed here, I've always had it, I'm doing well; obviously I want to be a starter, we know there is competition in the team because there are the best players in the world and I try to give the best version of myself because I've always wanted to succeed here.”
Mbappé’s condition
“I think he seems fine now. At the beginning, he was a bit weak, that's normal. I'm looking forward to his return, because today when he came to the dressing room, you can sense that Mbappé is there, so that's good.”
View on the Club World Cup
“We're very happy to be here and if you're here it's because you've done things very well for many years. When you put on the shirt you feel how important the club is and you know that you're in the best team in the world, you have to show who you are and leave everything on the pitch.”
Role in the team
“I've always felt important because I've been in good form and scored important goals, the team makes me feel important and so do the coaches.”
Xabi Alonso
“The manager has clear ideas. We just have to listen to him. He's a great coach and he can bring a lot to us as players and as a team. He has his idea of the game and we're working on it the way he wants us to. We're delighted to have him here.”
The opposition
“Salzburg are a good side who are going to make things difficult for us. They have young players who have also made it to the Club World Cup because they're a good team. It'll be a difficult game, but we'll perform well tomorrow.”
Gonzalo: “We're up for it and eager to get the win”
“We're looking forward to tomorrow, we know it's a very important match. We're up for it and eager to get the win.”
“I've been here for a long time, it's a dream for me to be able to wear this shirt with the first team. Every academy player aims to be able to be part of the first team and that is present from the moment you enter the academy.”
Memories of Xabi Alonso
“I remember Xabi from watching him play for Madrid, a player with a lot of quality, a Madridista who has always known what it means to wear this shirt, and that's what I think he's trying to transmit to us. You have to enjoy yourself and always give your best.”
“We've only had a short time in which he has been able to transmit everything to us as quickly as possible to be able to compete in this competition.”
Comparison with Joselu
“It's a great compliment to be compared to Joselu because he's been such a great player in the youth teams, in Castilla and in the first team. If you ask me about being able to perform a role like his, that depends on what the coach sees in me and what I'm capable of.”
Lucas Vázquez: “Real Madrid always go out to win”
“I think it's going to be a tough game against a team we faced in the Champions League. It'll be a good test for us and we're eager to get the win. Real Madrid always go out to win and we've come to Philadelphia to get the three points.”
“Vini Jr. seems very happy, enjoying what he loves the most, which is playing football. He deserves peace and quiet and to be allowed to play, to enjoy a little bit of him.”
Weather conditions
“The whole tournament is taking place in these conditions and that's the way it is, we're not going to complain about it. Hopefully, we can see a good game tomorrow and get the win.”
Change of coach
“We had been with Carlo for four years using his method, now Xabi has arrived with his own style and way of seeing football. We are gradually seeing how his idea of the game is being transferred to the pitch and we want to continue improving.”
Trent Alexander-Arnold
“Trent has been a great player for many years, he can bring a lot to Real Madrid and I hope he does very well.”
Check out all the videos from the game on RM Play