"Mbappe is doing well, we talk every day," Alonso said on 1/7 in a pre-match press conference at Hard Rock Stadium. "We will decide tomorrow morning. The possibility of him playing his first FIFA Club World Cup match is very high. I don't know how long Mbappe will play, but the possibility is very big."
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Kylian Mbappe during Real Madrid's training session at Gardens North Country District Park, Palm Beach Gardens, Florida, USA on 30/6. Photo: Reuters |
Kylian Mbappe during Real Madrid's training session at Gardens North Country District Park, Palm Beach Gardens, Florida, USA on 30/6. Photo: Reuters
Mbappe was hospitalized with acute gastroenteritis, lost 5 kg, and missed all three group stage matches.
Alonso considers Mbappe a leader of Real Madrid, with great influence and impact. The Spanish coach emphasized the importance of team spirit and collective play when asked about combining Mbappe and Vinicius in attack.
"In terms of individual quality, the strikers must make a difference," Alonso said. "It would be very difficult for me to tell Mbappe how to dribble. But we want to exploit the collective idea, to play as a unit. The players have to know what to do when they don't have the ball."
Alonso has been coaching Real Madrid for less than a month after leaving Leverkusen. In the FIFA Club World Cup group stage, Real Madrid drew 1-1 with Al Hilal, then beat Pachuca 3-1 and RB Salzburg 3-0. The 43-year-old coach said his work really begins today with a do-or-die match against Juventus.
"We have been preparing for a few weeks to be ready for tomorrow," Alonso said. "The team needs a perfect performance when facing a top club like Juventus. This is our third week working together. I'm very excited, but there's a lot you have to manage. Real Madrid is very demanding and you are always expected to win."
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Coach Xabi talks with his assistants. Photo: Reuters |
Coach Xabi talks with his assistants. Photo: Reuters
Real Madrid received a boost when captain Dani Carvajal returned to training after recovering from an anterior cruciate ligament injury that sidelined him since 10/2024. "I'm back and feeling great," the Spanish defender said. "I don't know if I will play against Juventus, but I will give my all if I get on the field."
This summer, Real Madrid recruited center-back Dean Huijsen from Bournemouth and right-back Trent Alexander-Arnold from Liverpool. Alonso used a four-man defense in the opening match against Al Hilal, then switched to a three-man defense - with Antonio Rudiger, Aurelien Tchouameni and Huijsen - against RB Salzburg. Carvajal is impressed with the tactical flexibility of new coach Alonso and is ready to play in any position.
Hong Duy (According to ESPN)
