Brahim Diaz hails Xabi Alonso appointment and says Real Madrid expect to win Club World Cup | OneFootball

Brahim Diaz says Real Madrid should be considered the favourites to win the Club World Cup.

Real had a disappointing season in 2024/25 by their standards, getting knocked out of the Champions League in the quarter-finals and missing out on La Liga to El Clasico rivals Barcelona.

Boss Carlo Ancelotti would leave the club as a result, to be replaced by Xabi Alonso.

Speaking ahead of their first match in the tournament against Saudi Pro League side Al-Hilal, Diaz says his side are going for the title, and should be recognised as the favourites for the competition.

“We’re really looking forward to getting started because it’s the first Club World Cup and Real Madrid is always there to make history,” Diaz said.

“We want to continue adding to the history of this club and this is another title if everything goes well.

“Real Madrid are always favourites because we’re ambitious and we’re the best club in the world. That’s why we have to win everything we play, but there are great teams and we have to compete really well.

“The pressure and demands are always there because we are Real Madrid. We want to give our all and win this title.”

The Moroccan international also spoke on the arrival on new manager Alonso, and is confident the former Madrid midfielder can bring more success back to the Bernabeu.

“He still has the same quality he had when he played,” he said. “When he gets involved in the game, he looks like one of the players.

“I think he had years left in him. He still has that intensity and desire to get the best out of everyone. We’re very happy with him and he understands the Real Madrid identity and the demands of this club very well.

“He’s approachable, he talks to everyone and that’s positive. I’m very happy that he’s here because of what he did as a player and what he’s doing as a coach. I hope he adds more titles to the best club in the world.”