Comment follows criticism of Real Madrid players like Vinicius and Mbappe for lack of defensive input
Real Madrid manager Xabi Alonso has urged his players to improve their defensive contribution as the team prepare to face RB Salzburg in their final Club World Cup group-stage match.
Madrid are currently top of Group H after drawing 1-1 with Al Hilal and beating Pachuca 3-1, and need just a draw to secure first place and advance to the knockout rounds.
But Alonso, who has been in the dugout for two games so far in his Madrid tenure, is focused on tightening up his side’s performance when they don’t have the ball.
“We all have to defend,” Alonso said at Wednesday’s press conference in Philadelphia. “The 11 players on the field have to be involved.
“They have to see how we want to press, we’re all involved – Vini, Jude [Bellingham], Fede [Valverde], Kylian. The defence has to push up, the tighter we are with the spaces [between us] the better. We have to improve that. We’re working on it, and Vini too.”
Vinicius and Mbappe, while both major attacking threats, have at times faced criticism for their defensive work, something Alonso appears keen to address as Madrid aim for consistency on both ends of the pitch.
If Madrid progress to the round of 16 as expected, they could face Manchester City, depending on results in both Group G and Group H. However, Alonso said his side would not focus on the permutations.
“It isn’t a good idea to think about not winning,” said the Spaniard. “That isn’t a good message for anyone, setting an objective that isn’t clear. Obviously I’m not blind, I’ve seen the draw, but we’ll play to win.”
Alonso also praised the strength of teams outside Europe that has been seen so far in the tournament.
“It’s good for European football to see the level of competition outside,” he said. “You see teams that you don’t see as often, who are very good, at a good level.
“At the start [of the tournament] we all looked at the European teams, but I think this is good for football in general.”
