Xabi Alonso: "Everyone's sacrifice is important"

Xabi Alonso appeared before the media in the press room at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia and analysed the win against Salzburg: "I'm satisfied with the team's performance. There was a move in the second half where the team's defensive reaction after a corner was spectacular, and everyone's sacrifice was important. Without that, it's impossible nowadays."

"There's still a long way to go in the World Cup, and we know that Juventus are waiting for us in the last 16. Juve are Juve. I have the utmost respect for them, and we have to prepare well for that game. It's a case of either you go through or you go home, so we have to be ready. Despite that, I'm happier with today's game than with the first half against Al Hilal. We're still in the early stages, and we're taking it cautiously. There's still a long way to go. We're starting a new era, and we're making changes in the middle of a demanding competition. During this time, we've been clear about our strategy, although there's still a lot to improve on."

The three-centre-back system
"In my mind, I've always been flexible with systems. The players are intelligent enough to know the positives and negatives of this system. It has given us stability, maturity, and control of the game. It gives you a three against two with Huijsen and Rüdiger wide and space in between with Jude and Arda. I like that flexibility so I can use it when needed."

Praise for Vini Jr.'s performance
"Vini Jr. had a great game. I'm not just talking about his goal and assist, but also his defensive sacrifice, knowing how to get involved, not getting caught out... That allowed us to play closely together, and in attack, he had more freedom, getting into the area well and linking up with Gonzalo, who wears down the centre-backs. He came away feeling very positive, as did I. However, we have to keep going because there's still a long way to go."

The partnership between Vini Jr. and Mbappé
"Vini Jr. can do it from the outside, and Mbappé from the inside. Thinking about why things are done can make them work. We need collective quality so that the players have good support and everyone benefits from the collective system."

The return of Mbappé
"We need him and we want him back as soon as possible and in the best possible condition. I don't want to be optimistic and get ahead of myself, but we need him because he's a top player, one of the best in the world. We hope he's back soon."

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Did you know Gonzalo?
"I know him very well. I've followed Castilla very closely and I know their players very well. I'm not that surprised. He's a typical number nine who reminds me in many ways of Raúl: always well-positioned and with a great work ethic. We need more from him, and we're working to help him improve. No decisions have been made yet regarding next season. We're focused on the Club World Cup. The competition gives you indications, but no decision has been made."

Rüdiger's substitution
"He had cramp. Nothing serious. It was his first game from the start. He played a lot with three centre-backs when he was at Chelsea, and this system gives us depth and flexibility. It gives us depth and collective quality, which is what we want for the players to benefit from."

Endrick's recovery
"He's in the process of recovering, but we want him to be available as soon as possible. He'll be coming to the United States soon to train with the group, and of course, I'm counting on him."

The fans in the United States
"We've been coming here for many years, and we know how popular Real Madrid is in the United States, as well as in South America and Asia. That's the greatness of this team, and we're very grateful because we felt at home. It's a pleasure and a great support."