Xabi Alonso's response about the signings the team needs: I think that...

Real Madrid will play today, Sunday, against Pachuca in the second match of the Club World Cup. It will be at 9:00 p.m., Spain time.

Xabi Alonso has spoken at the pre-match press conference and has said several interesting things.

Does Real Madrid need to sign?

What kind of match do you expect against Pachuca: "An intense and very important match. We want to play well and win in this very short competition. In the group stage, after the draw, we need to win. We want to play a more complete match both with and without the ball. We've had five training sessions and one match, but the schedule forces you to compete well."

On Vinícius's role in the team: "I don't think he needs to be recovered. I see him well, but we all want to push for him to be decisive. Vinícius has that quality and that different, unpredictable style of soccer."

Does the team need a midfielder: "We're in the Club World Cup moment and we're not in the phase of how to improve the current squad. I do think that with the ones we have, we can have a dominant midfield. We need to work on it, repeat it, and feel it, but with different profiles, it can be achieved. I'm convinced."

On Kylian Mbappé's physical condition: "He's better. Two days ago, he came back from the hospital. He's recovering, and day by day, we're more optimistic for the next match."

Gonzalo's role after Mbappé's confirmed absence: "He can contribute what he did the other day, that's why he was the choice. He scored a goal and had three chances. It's important to have players with that instinct."

Does the team have anxiety about winning?

Does the team have anxiety: "I don't see the players with anxiety. I've noticed a desire to improve, to want to participate in the process of doing things well. That energizes you day by day in training, but I notice that ambition and that positive calm."

What are the players' feelings: "The first half wasn't good and it wasn't what we wanted, but in the second half, the reaction was positive. We were more dominant, and that has to be the path."

Would it be good to have another player: "Now the challenge is, with the players we have, to make the midfield work well. It's not time to talk about the future, but about the present. I'm happy to get to know the players, to help them."

The importance of video to prepare tactical aspects: "Video plays an essential role in these periods of 2-3 days between matches. Sometimes you can't do too much because they need to rest or it's hot."

Working under pressure: "I live with it and prepare myself for what I can control. I can control decisions with the players, with the substitutions, when preparing the matches... That's in my hands."

Confirms Rüdiger's return

The team's medical report: "Rüdiger has been medically cleared and is included in the squad. He'll be a very important player. Tomorrow, we need to go gradually."

On Arda: "I've spoken with Arda and I want him close to the ball. He's a special player and always helps the team play. He has an impact."

Who will take the penalties at Real Madrid: "Before the match, we always have it decided who will take them. We decide it. It depends on the match and on who's on the field."

Has spoken with Dani Ceballos: "Dani and I have spoken these days, and he can contribute a lot. This season, he'll have an important role. We count on Dani."

Doesn't make excuses about the heat: "It is what it is. Talking about the conditions isn't the most important thing. We don't need to make excuses."

Xabi Alonso confirms his tactics at Real Madrid

On Tchouaméni's role in the team: "I don't know what will happen during the year, but he's an essential pillar of the squad because of his influence and his profile. He's always making small decisions to contribute to the team. He wants to progress and wants to be important."

Trent Alexander-Arnold as an additional midfielder: "He's a different full-back, not just an outside runner. He also connects with those inside. Having his foot is very positive."

Xabi Alonso's tactics at Real Madrid: "The matches tell us a lot about what to improve. I had very good coaches during my playing career. I've taken things from all of them, but then you need to have your own personality to convey it to the players."

Congratulates Real Oviedo on its promotion to the First Division: "Congratulations to Oviedo. It's been 24 years, I think, since it played in the First Division. It deserves it."

So, all that's left is for Real Madrid to play this match and, of course, win it. The first one ended in a draw after a poor match and a missed penalty, now it's time to win.

We'll also see which starting eleven Xabi Alonso uses for this match and which players start.