🎙️ Xabi Alonso: "the real action kicks off tomorrow" | OneFootball

Xabi Alonso has appeared before the media in the run-up to the match against Al-Hilal, which will mark Real Madrid's debut in the Club World Cup and his official presentation as the club's coach.

Sign up for DAZN to watch all the FIFA Club World Cup matches for FREE

The coach from San Sebastian has given a few hints that help to understand the style he wants for his Real Madrid.

Also, a phrase that excites: "tomorrow the Rock & Roll starts"

Will Mbappé play?

The Frenchman has had a fever since yesterday and today he has not trained but his coach does not rule him out for the debut. "Kylian was feeling a bit better this morning but not enough. It's very hot and it was better for him not to train. But we will wait for him until the last moment"

Concepts he is working on

Xabi Alonso has talked about how he plans to improve the team's big shortcoming last season: recovery after loss.

"I believe that distances, positioning is what will make us better. Being better positioned and everything will work better to have possession and recover"

"I want a team that is together, we have talked about it, because that will make things much easier for us", he concluded.

Where does he see Bellingham?

Alonso acknowledges that the Englishman has the ability to cover a lot of ground, but he has not committed to whether he sees him as a pure midfielder or more with a role of arrival. "He has the soul of a midfielder and the quality to be able to arrive. The starting point is important, but he is very dynamic"

Mastantuono and the signings

Alonso has referred to the Argentine, of whom he has highlighted his maturity, "I was impressed with the conversations I had with him: for his ambition and maturity.

As for Rodrygo and Ceballos, he acknowledged "having spoken with the Brazilian from the first moment" and sees in the Andalusian "a very intelligent player"

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇪🇸 here.

📸 Angel Martinez - 2025 Getty Images