Xabi Alonso, who recently took the helm of Real Madrid, is facing an unexpected challenge just days before his second match in the Club World Cup. In the press conference following his debut, which ended in a disappointing 1-1 draw against Al Hilal, the coach revealed that Kylian Mbappé has been dealing with a "significant viral process" and his availability for the match against Pachuca remains uncertain.
The match in Miami left a bittersweet taste for Alonso, who saw his team, despite showing flashes of quality, fail to capitalize on opportunities. "The match was a mix of everything. The result is a shame for not being able to win. Especially in the second half, we were much better," commented the coach, who could not hide his frustration after the draw.
The Real Madrid lined up in a 4-3-3 formation, maintaining Carlo Ancelotti's legacy, but with evident defensive gaps that reminded fans of past issues. Although Alonso has only had a few days to work with the team, the lack of cohesion and reliance on individual brilliance were noticeable.
However, not all news was bad. Homegrown player Gonzalo García showed he could be the striker the club needs, while the signing of Huijsen left a positive impression. Still, the performances of stars like Bellingham, Rodrygo, and Vinícius suggest that the team has yet to fully embrace their new coach's philosophy.
Alonso also emphasized the importance of improving ball management, noting that in the first half the team played too quickly, costing them possession. "We lacked the goal. It wasn't enough to win," lamented the coach, who hopes his team can find the necessary balance to progress in the tournament.
With uncertainty surrounding Mbappé's participation, Real Madrid prepares for a crucial clash that could define their path in the Club World Cup. The pressure is on Alonso, who must find a way to motivate his squad and correct the mistakes of the recent past.