Xabi Alonso has emphasized the necessity for Real Madrid’s stars, particularly Vinícius Júnior and Kylian Mbappé, to elevate their off-the-ball work ethic as they prepare for their final Club World Cup group match against Salzburg. Currently, Madrid sits in a strong position with four points from two matches, following a draw against Al Hilal and a victory over Pachuca.
Alonso pointed out an area for improvement during a press conference, stressing that all players must contribute defensively. He remarked, “We all have to defend, the 11 players on the field have to be involved.” This is a call for Vinícius, Jude Bellingham, Fede Valverde, and Mbappé to enhance their pressing capabilities, particularly in terms of maintaining close space between the defensive line and midfield.
The tournament has showcased a commendable level of competition, with South American teams demonstrating their prowess against European squads. Alonso highlighted that observing teams like River Plate and Brazilian clubs compete against European giants is beneficial for football overall.
Should Madrid finish at the top of Group H, they may face Manchester City, a team they’ve encountered in previous Champions League battles. However, Alonso reassured that the focus will remain solely on achieving victory against Salzburg, dismissing the notion of looking ahead to potential matchups.
Amid speculation regarding Rodrygo’s future, Alonso confirmed the player’s continued importance, stating he is “enthusiastic” and has the potential to play a crucial role in the tournament.
The team’s training and development focus under Alonso may very well translate into stronger performances moving forward, offering fans hope for continued success.