With no success in La Liga, the Copa del Rey or the Champions League, club’s hopes of silverware this season now rest on the upcoming FIFA Club World Cup
Real Madrid have turned their sights towards the FIFA Club World Cup as a chance to win silverware this season, following confirmation of domestic rivals Barcelona as La Liga champions on Thursday.
The competition will feature 32 teams from across the globe and Madrid, as one of the pre-tournament favourites, are targeting a first triumph in the new format.
Los Blancos midfielder Jude Bellingham spoke on Friday of the importance of the tournament for the squad.
“We are facing the opportunity to win a different title, really,” said Bellingham. “I think that’s the truth: to try to be the first club to win it. Obviously, Real Madrid deserves that kind of recognition.
“But I also think it’s being able to play in a place where I haven’t played regularly, in the United States, and also playing against opponents that I wouldn’t normally have the opportunity to play against. So, for sure, I think there’s a lot of positives to it.”
Bellingham also highlighted the club’s strong following in North America, recalling how the squad were received during pre-season tours.
“I think all our games will be brilliant because we have fans all over the world,” he said. “We went there in pre-season and every year even more fans arrive. It will be a wonderful thing for us because we always rely on the support we will have, no matter where we play.”
Veteran defender Dani Carvajal, who hopes to return from injury in time to play for the club at the tournament, echoed Bellingham’s sentiments. He compared the Club World Cup’s atmosphere to that of the FIFA World Cup for countries.
“I think it’s going to be great. I imagine that it will be similar to a FIFA World Cup with the national teams, because the whole country will experience the tournament with a lot of intensity. I think it will be a success.”
“It mixes different styles of play, leagues and continents, that’s what makes it so special. This season we have already played against Pachuca and Salzburg, so we have some experience playing against them. We are really looking forward to 18 June for our first game against Al Hilal.”
