Xabi Alonso: "We have two objectives for tomorrow: to win and to finish first in the group"
"It's a new competition and it may be the first time we win it. It's going to be demanding, but we want to try to do it," added the coach.
Xabi Alonso spoke to the media in the press room at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia the day before Real Madrid play Salzburg on matchday three of the Club World Cup group stage (Friday, 3 am Spanish time; Thursday, 9 pm local time). The coach had this to say: “We have two objectives for tomorrow: to win and to finish first in the group. In the last game, despite being a man down, we performed well both in and out of possession. We had a good game and now we want to play with 11 for the full 90 minutes against a demanding and dynamic team. We know that we are in the decisive phase, this is the last match of the group, and we're aiming to go through to the next phase.”
“Rodrygo is doing well, and he's up for it. The other day it was a technical decision. He's still important and we're going to need him. He's a special player, I think he's going to play a good role in the Club World Cup.”
Mbappé’s condition
“I was pleased to see him on the pitch, but it was the first day he'd put his boots on and run around a bit. He's been good, but not recovered properly enough. He's still a bit too weak to be able to play tomorrow at the competitive level we're going to need. We spoke after training and he prefers to stay here and recover well so that when we go through, and if we go through to the last 16, he'll be available. He's still in the recovery process, he's not perfect for tomorrow.”
Mendy and Camavinga
“Mendy still needs time before he can get back on the pitch. Camavinga is making good progress. He's spending more and more time with the team on the pitch. I don't know if he'll be available for the next few games, but we hope to see him back soon. He's a very talented player and we need him.”
Players on the right wing
“I'm very happy with all of them and I'm counting on all of them. They are all very good players and the season is very demanding. We have 60 games and we need a balanced season: balanced and with healthy competition. I'm happy with them.”
Huijsen’s role in the project
“He is another of the cornerstones. That personality that he brings to the place. He's shown it with the national team and with us. Both in matches and on a day-to-day basis. He is well-liked and respected for his quality and for the importance he has on the pitch. He's a great signing. We have to support him and also push him, because he still has room for improvement. We can't let him relax. I'm pleased to have Huijsen with us.”
Top of the group means the tough side of the draw
"It's not a good idea to think about not winning the game. It's not a good message for anyone. Even the feeling, the feeling we have now is very important, of wanting to plan something other than going to win, is not in anyone's head. I've seen the draw, I'm not blind, but we're going to go and win."
View on the Club World Cup
"It's good for us in European football to see the level of competition outside Europe. Being able to adapt to the conditions, whoever does better or arrives at the best time, it helps. These are conditions that we don't have during the year. But apart from that, you can see teams that you don't have on your radar and that are very good, that prepare well and play at a good level. River Plate are playing very well, the Brazilians are obviously playing very well too. We said at the beginning that we had to deal with the Europeans, but now our sights have certainly opened up. That's good for football in general."
Brahim’s role
“He's a guy who understands things very well. He's a competitive player, who has that quality to change games. When he has to play 20 or 30 minutes, he shakes things up, he produces a reaction and that's a great quality. Also as a starter, of course. But having those players that you know are going to have a good impact is very important. The day-to-day work with him is very good, he trains very well. I know that I can count on him for anything.”
Valverde’s position
“I have some good ideas regarding Valverde. He's a very complete player, he can play in many different positions. He can be closer to the wingers as well as in other positions you have seen him in. We have a lot of flexibility with him.”
The players' learning
"It seems like there is nothing else after a game, but during the game there is a lot of talk. First of all, there is a desire to adapt to this new stage, to the staff and to the new coach. Besides, the players are of a high level and it's often easy with them. Even when explaining things on paper, they pick up the concepts quickly. But the daily work is getting into their blood.”
Memories as a Real Madrid player
“It's the most prestigious and recognised team in the world. Its history speaks for itself. Wherever you go, you notice this recognition and this is what makes Real Madrid great. These are also factors that make Real Madrid always want to improve and achieve more. For me, it is a privilege and an honour to be part of this club. I will do everything I can to achieve our goals and enhance our legacy.”
Bellingham after his operation
“He's going to remain a key player for us. I love what he does in midfield and how he's involved in every play. He has a lot of quality. We always try to be close to him, he has a lot of ambition. He's a player who always wants to improve and keep growing. We're looking forward to seeing how he grows and improves.”
How important is the Club World Cup for you?
“It's extremely important. We're here and for us it's the most important trophy at the moment. It's a new competition and it could be the first time we win it. It's going to be demanding, but we want to try to do it.”
“It's a very complex process and at different stages you have to know what things to prioritise. It's not always possible to take into account all the factors, but I always try to take into account the most important ones. At the beginning of this competition we're going to play in one way and in the following phases the team will be more and more settled.”
Little time to work
“I've taken this into account. The planning is more than a pre-season, it's a tournament like that of a national team. That's how we're approaching it and you can see it in the distribution of minutes. It's very different to a pre-season, where you can alternate and distribute the workload. Here it's a competition and it's more “national team format” than club format, that's why this Club World Cup is a bit special. For example, yesterday, after nine days of training, we freed up a little bit, because the players need to catch their breath. Today they trained well.”
Vini Jr.’s work off the ball
“One thing that is clear to me is that we have to defend all of us, all eleven players have to be involved. They have to come together and know how to press. Without that, it'll be very difficult and that's why we're all involved. Vini Jr, Bellingham, Valverde, Mbappé, those up top, the defence also has to push. The closer we are, the better distances we will have. The first thing I said: we have to improve the gaps and how we attack and defend. We're working on it, Vini Jr. too.”
Centre-back pairing for tomorrow’s game
“I've thought about it, but I can't say, of course.”
Alaba’s condition
“It's taking him a bit longer, he's recovering. After the operation, we must be patient considering the severity of his injury.”
Salzburg
“The current Salzburg team is different to the one we saw during the season and to the one Real Madrid played against in the Champions League. They signed new players before the tournament. They play very well, they have clear ideas and we have to give our best to beat them. I know them very well and I know it's not going to be easy.”
Player fatigue
“The context is different, because I joined at the end of the season. Having that assessment of how I have seen the fatigue. I don't think I'm the best person to say it. I can say that since we've started, with the changes and the new faces, the feeling of a new era is there. People are eager and motivated to have a good tournament.”
Experience as a coach
“It's quite a stressful job but the best thing about football is being a player and the second is being a coach. I have enjoyed it, it all happens so fast, but I am trying to enjoy this experience as much as I can. It's very demanding, but I really enjoy the challenges ahead of me.”
Interest in Piero Hincapié
“As far as interest is concerned, I can't tell you anything. Regarding Piero, yes, because I'm very fond of him. It was a pleasure to coach him at Leverkusen. I think it was a good period for everyone and he improved a lot. I'm pleased with the player he's becoming.”
Laporta’s comments
“I can imagine the context in which he must have said it and I don't want to get involved. We do have a sense of freedom and democracy. And I imagine that they also have some power, so it goes both ways.”
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