Xabi Alonso Looks Ahead to Real Madrid’s Club World Cup Tie vs Juventus

Football Italy » Xabi Alonso Looks Ahead to Real Madrid’s Club World Cup Tie vs Juventus
Preview Xabi Alonso Looks Ahead to Real Madrid’s Club World Cup Tie vs Juventus

Real Madrid`s new coach, Xabi Alonso, is facing his first major test just under a month into the job: beating Juventus in the Club World Cup Round of 16 to advance towards his first trophy with the club. The former midfielder expressed caution regarding their Italian opponents:

“Juventus is a strong team with clear ideas,” Alonso stated. “Individually, they have good players, but we are ready to face them. We are in the Round of 16, and we know we must play against the strongest teams in the world. It will be a very important and difficult match; they also advanced from the group stage, just like us.”

Xabi Alonso faces the media during a press Conference ahead of their FIFA Club World Cup 2025 match
Xabi Alonso speaking at a press conference.

Mbappé`s Leadership

A significant question mark hangs over Kylian Mbappé`s potential involvement, as he has returned to training after gastroenteritis. Alonso provided an update:

“Kylian is better. We will see tomorrow whether he plays or not, but there`s a good chance he will be on the field. He is a leader, he always has been, but our mission must be collective. We cannot just be motivated when he is there or play well only when we have possession.”

Team Collective and Stress Management

Alonso took over from Carlo Ancelotti, whom Ancelotti`s son Davide ranked as the world`s best coach, placing Alonso second. Alonso commented on this:

“I truly have a good relationship with Davide, and Carlo has had a fantastic career; I am very grateful to him. Now I have a fantastic team.” The coach strongly emphasized the concept of the team, despite the presence of numerous star individuals: “I was immediately clear with my players; I told them it is important to play as a team and know how to manage stress levels. In terms of attitude, they are doing the right things.”

Assistance from Drones

In their daily work, Alonso and his staff utilize drones:

“We try to record all sessions to review them better from all angles. I think many clubs do this. So far, the World Cup has been a great challenge; we knew the competition would be intense, but we are ready. Now is the time to prove it on the pitch.”

Friend Sergio Ramos

If Real Madrid progresses, they could potentially face Sergio Ramos, now at Monterrey, as an opponent. Alonso shared his thoughts:

“I played many matches with him; we share a great friendship. He is 40 years old and is still a fantastic player. I hope to reach the quarterfinals and be able to face him.” Heat is not a concern, nor are injuries: “We will try to stay more hydrated; we have been here for several days, so we have somewhat adapted. This is our third week since we started. Everything here is very accelerated; the workload is distributed differently, but I am not afraid of injuries, we are not thinking about possible long-term effects. We are ready for anything. Each match increases the momentum and enthusiasm.”

Growing Understanding

Xabi Alonso returns to Real Madrid in a different capacity after playing for the club:

“Many things have changed since I was a player, and I am very happy to be here. In these two weeks in America, I have had the opportunity to get to know the players better. After three seasons at Bayer, we understood each other instantly; here it will take more time to create a united group, things will become increasingly fluid and easier. But I am happy with how they have started.” Regarding Alexander-Arnold, who arrived in June and was immediately put into action, Alonso explained: “I am happy with how things are going. Alexander can play with a back three or four. In the first match, we hadn`t quite gotten into the competition mood yet, but he is settling in and will be able to do better and better.”

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