Xabi Alonso sends a message to Real Madrid's rivals: 'Tomorrow begins...'

Real Madrid will start the "Xabi Alonso era" tomorrow with its first match of the Club World Cup against Al-Hilal from the Saudi Pro League. The white team, present in Group H, will play its match at the impressive Hard Rock Stadium in Miami starting at 9:00 p.m. (Spain time). In addition, Kylian Mbappé, who didn't train today with his teammates, will almost certainly be out due to a fever.

This will be a match that will allow us to glimpse the first changes from Xabi Alonso at Real Madrid. However, Madridists know that the coach has only been in charge for a few days and that everything is part of a long process. Even so, white supporters hope to see from the start a much more intense team on the field and one that shows greater solidity in defense.

With less than a day to go before the match, Xabi Alonso appeared before the media present at Hard Rock Stadium. The Spanish coach assessed his team's work and gave some rather striking answers.

Emphasizes defensive effort

What does the team need to correct: "We've already had several days and we've gotten people back, both in Valdebebas and later here. The distances, having better distances with and without the ball. Being better positioned and everything will work better, to keep possession and recover, for the team to be more compact, we've focused a lot on that."

Bellingham's position on the field: "Jude has the ability to cover a lot of ground, but he needs to start from the right position. He has the soul of a midfielder and then the quality to get forward. We need to find him in the right positions."

The team's commitment in defense: "Nowadays it's essential to have balance at the back and up front, for everyone to be involved in all phases. The team being together will help us a lot. We've had little time, but on the last day of the tournament we'll be a better team because we'll be able to keep correcting, the matches will show us things."

Sends a message to all Real Madrid's rivals: "That's a question for them, but they're eager after a fantastic period. You have to show it on the field. Tomorrow the rock and roll begins."

Does not make clear if Mbappé will play against Al-Hilal

About the injured players: "Kylian was a bit better this morning, but it was better not to train because of the heat. We'll see how he progresses because we're going to wait for him. As for the rest, everyone is eager but at different stages. Toni made a great effort, just like now, and he'll be the first to be ready for the second match. The others will need a bit more time, although 'Cama' is improving better than expected."

The Miami heat doesn't matter: "I'm not worried at all because it is what it is, I have no control and I don't concern myself with it. Of course it has an impact, but we have to adapt and handle it well, although it can affect the pace."

Wants a more worked team: "The day-to-day is very good, the quality is outstanding, that's no surprise. Carlo's work was fantastic because he's the most successful coach. There's a very good foundation, those connections, but now we have to work on it ourselves."

What's happening with Rodrygo Goes: "I know what happened at the end of the season, it wasn't easy, but he took some time. We talked and I see him eager to enjoy himself, above all, with his quality. We've talked about it, we've shared it, and now it's time to put it into practice."

How's Dani Ceballos: "I've talked with Dani day to day. He's very intelligent and he really likes soccer. He really likes soccer, I'm very happy with Dani."

Real Madrid is a contender to win everything

About tomorrow's opponent: "They haven't played much lately, but they have a good team with a lot of quality and good players. They're strong in their league, they've fought for many titles and now have a top-level coach, a Champions finalist. Obviously we're facing a great opponent and it's going to be a tough match for us."

What do you think of Kylian Mbappé: "We have eleven players and we have to make sure everyone is rowing in the same direction. In the few days we've had we've tried to work on all aspects, but it's early and we'll see what happens."

Contenders to win it all: "No doubt, in any competition we are and we've come here with that intention. We're not blinded by July 13, we know we have to take steps but that's the goal."

Opinion on Franco Mastantuono: "We're happy, he has a fantastic present and an outstanding future. His maturity on the field is also evident off it, I was impressed by his maturity in the conversations we had. We just watched River and we're eager to have him with us."

He's very eager to start: "I'm eager. It's good to train, but then you want to see the team perform. The match will show us many things, it'll be a good starting point although the first thing is to win, and how we do it will also matter."

Praise for Modric and Vinícius

About Luka Modric: "It's very easy because with Luka there's always been a very good relationship. We have that trust to know what's needed at every moment. I like his relationship with the young players, he's a great influence and we want to enjoy him here."

He's brought several young players to the United States: "After a year, their time to adapt has come, even Luka went through it. Arda and Endrick will be getting more involved, it's a natural process. The Castilla boys are also contributing a lot."

Opinion on Arnold: "He's very flexible. We're eager for Carvajal to return, but Trent has had a great impact from day one. For me it's a privilege to have these headaches."

Vinícius: "I didn't know him, and everything I'd seen I already recognized. His way of being, of communicating. He's passionate, emotional, and I like being close to him. Now the job is to find the best position for him. But he has a great heart, that's what has caught my attention these first few days."

Mbappé's position on the field: "He's dynamic, not positional. There we can rotate, especially positions. He's not a positional number 9, but he's a number 9 who scores a lot of goals."

The players are very focused: "I have the feeling that they're very focused, there are a lot of stimuli, new tournament, new coach. I see them very alert to these ideas we're working on. We're eager to play the match because we want to play."