Xabi Alonso talks Mbappe, Rodrygo, Garcia, Guler, Modric ahead of Real Madrid vs Borussia Dortmund | OneFootball

Real Madrid are set to take on Borussia Dortmund in the quarterfinal of the FIFA Club World Cup later tonight as they stare at a place in the semifinal of the competition in the eye.

Los Blancos have been decent across the park in the competition and have shown significant improvement on all fronts under Xabi Alonso’s command.

These are, however, early days and one can be assured that the best is yet to come for the initial signs have been nothing short of promising.

Ahead of the game against Dortmund, Alonso’s poor track record against the German club came up in the media raising doubts on his tactics against their style of play. Tomorrow, he will undoubtedly look to settle that score.

Alonso’s presser

Speaking to the media ahead of Real Madrid’s quarterfinal clash against Borussia Dortmund, Xabi Alonso gave out a lot of information on the players in the team, their form, minutes and importance in his plans.

There was, however, only one place to start and the manager fittingly began by providing a statement on the unfortunate passing of Diogo Jota.

“I will answer your question but first, if you’ll allow me, on my behalf and on behalf of the club, we’d like to send our condolences to the families of Diogo Jota and Andre Silva. We send a big hug, lots of strength, and support to their family.”

Moving to the topic of the match later today, he was asked if Mbappe would start on the night, to which he said,

“Mbappe starting? We’ll make the decision in the morning.”

“I’d like the players to find out about this first, rather than at a press conference,” he added.

He then spoke on the forwards in his team and how they were all important in his plans including Endrick who has not debuted under Alonso yet.

“I’m counting on Endrick, Gonzalo, and Mbappe. I’m happy with Endrick, who’s still recovering.”

“We’re not thinking about this, we’re thinking about immediate performance. A World Cup, an intense competition, we haven’t talked about that,” he added.

“Gonzalo is doing very well. He’s taking advantage of the opportunity. We’re happy with him,” he concluded about Gonzalo Garcia.

The manager then went on to state that he did not completely rule out the possibility of both Garcia and Mbappe playing together on the field.

“Can Mbappe and Gonzalo play together? Yes, they could be complementary. If the match context allows it, I’m not discarding it.”

The manager also did not rule out trusting Rodrygo Goes and retained faith in the Brazilian that he would come good.

“I’m sure Rodrygo can return to his best form. I spoke with him; he’s positive, eager, and ready when needed.”

On the midfielders

Moving to the topic of the midfield department where Alonso is largely spoilt for choice, he began by praising Aurelien Tchouameni who has been rock solid under his command.

“I watched Tchouameni a lot of times. He has the ability to adapt to many styles. He’s important.”

He then praised Arda Guler as a special talent and spoke on areas where the Turkish star must improve.

“Arda Guler must anticipate [in defence] more than react, that way you approach the match better and don’t depend on physicality.”

“It’s the process he has to go through. He’s doing well, and we keep pushing him to gain experience and know that he can make mistakes. They’re part of his development,” he added.

Guler is shining under Alonso. (Photo by Denis Doyle/Getty Images)

On what makes Guler such a standout talent at his young age, the Real Madrid legend said,

“Arda Guler has special qualities; we have to keep him close to the ball, creating plays. He has an incredible catalogue of passes and we play better with him.”

“He needs to learn and develop. Expectations are high, but we have to help him grow.”

Finally, he praised Luka Modric for all the talent and expertise he brings to the table, especially given that he is now in his final games at the club.

“It’s a privilege to have Luka Modric. Everyone on the team needs to absorb his knowledge.”

Alonso even provided an update on Eduardo Camavinga who is recovering from injury but not yet in the squad.

“Eduardo Camavinga is getting better, but it’s still too soon to call him up.”

On the competition

Speaking on the FIFA Club World Cup, the Real Madrid manager spoke on how the competition highlighted that the rest of the world is quickly catching up with Europe in terms of football quality.

“The Club World Cup is showing us the competitive level of other leagues. We Europeans aren’t as familiar with it. It’s been good for football.”

“In Europe, we think the Champions League is the only thing that counts, but that’s not the case,” he added.

The manager then spoke on the two sides of having a cooling break during the game and how he was not particularly a fan of the interruptions in-game.

“When the cooling break comes, you try to take advantage. Thinking about improving your football without being disruptive has to be done in its proper place.”

“I’m not saying I’m not in favor of timeouts in football, but under normal circumstances, I don’t know if it’s the best thing to do,” he added.

Finally, Alonso was asked if he too would bet his coaching license on Federico Valverde hitting certain goal targets like Carlo Ancelotti did, to which he said,

“Betting my coaching license like Ancelotti did on Valverde’s goals? Carlo’s career was so long, he was able to do it (laughs).”

“I’m just starting out, I can’t risk it this fast. But I think he will score a lot of goals, but we’re not making any bets,” he added.

Source: Real Madrid TV