Vinicius emulates Guti, and Alonso urges caution: "We're still in the start-up phase."
Real Madrid's first objective in the Club World Cup has already been checked off. They've qualified for the round of 16, top of the group, and with a team that's better today than it was ten days ago. It's all good news for Xabi Alonso , who's buying time again in this frantic start to the project, but he's avoiding putting his foot on the gas: "We're still in the start-up phase. Caution, there are many things to improve. Now we have Juventus, and I don't care that they lost 5-2 today. Juventus is Juventus. And, besides, four more games in a tournament like this is a lot."
Alonso admitted that playing with three central defenders is something he'll do when he thinks it's good for the team, like tonight in Philadelphia : "I've always thought about being flexible with the system. The players already have enough football culture to use this system and know the benefits it has. In the first half, we were stable, mature, controlled the game well, and didn't rush things. The ball came out three against two, occupying the spaces in between, and there was width."
Alexander-Arnold and Fran García provided more width. Vini played more in central positions, as he did with Ancelotti two seasons ago, after Benzema's departure: "He had a great game. But I'm not just impressed by the goal and the assist, but also by his dedication, his defensive commitment, his ability to stay focused... And in attack, he moved into the interior and took advantage of the wear and tear Gonzalo inflicted on opponents," Alonso explained. "I'm playing a little more inside, and the team is more compact. We press, defend, and attack better. I played in this position with Ancelotti in the last Champions League title we won, and now it will take me a bit to adapt again, but I'm happy," Vini said.
His assist for the 0-2 was reminiscent of Guti's backheel to Benzema at Riazor, although Xabi is most fond of the one from '14: "One of the most beautiful passes I've given in my career, and on top of that, to Fede , who always encourages me a lot and is our captain," said Vini. "Vini's was very good, but I was on the pitch with Guti's and it blew me away. I'll stick with it."
Gonzalo, who put in another great performance, also received public praise from the Real Madrid coach: "I knew him, as I know many Castilla players. If I'm honest, what he's doing isn't a surprise to me. He's the typical striker who's always in the right position, scores goals, links up, runs... He reminds me of Raúl ," explains Alonso, without getting caught out about his future: "Obviously, the World Cup tells you things, but there are no decisions yet regarding next season."
Xabi revealed that Rudiger was only substituted due to cramps and is not suffering from any injuries. He expects Mbappé to return for Tuesday's match against Juventus. He also said he was delighted by the defensive commitment of the entire team, which he exemplified with a second-half move: "There's a very illustrative play. From a corner in our favor in the second half, look at the defensive withdrawal of all the players. They all sprinted to get behind the ball. It's essential to have that sense of commitment."
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