Xabi Alonso has set strict rules at Real Madrid as the coach warned the likes of Kylian Mbappe and Vinicius Junior that they will have to defend.
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Madrid boss demands full-team defensive effortTargets top spot in group vs. RB Salzburg clashForward stars including Mbappe named in call-outFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?
New Madrid boss Alonso sent a clear message to his star-studded attack: defend or sit. Speaking in a pre-match press conference ahead of his team's Club World Cup clash against Red Bull Salzburg, Alonso stressed that all 11 players must contribute defensively, referencing past frustrations under former coach Carlo Ancelotti when forwards like Vinicius and Mbappe were criticised for neglecting their off-the-ball duties.
AdvertisementAFPWHAT XABI ALONSO SAID
Alonso made his expectations crystal clear, emphasising defensive unity and focus across the entire squad, saying: "What I'm clear about is that we all have to defend. All 11 have to be involved. Without that… Vini, Jude, Fede, Kylian, the defence. The shorter we are, the better. We're working on it, and so is Vini."
Looking ahead to the decisive game, he added: "We have two objectives. The first is to win and finish first in the group. The second is to do it with 11, after doing well against 10. It's not a good idea to think about not going out to win. It's not a good message. Feelings are very important and we have to focus on winning. I see the group eager to learn, wanting to do things well. They're top players and they pick up concepts quickly."
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French superstar Mbappe has not featured yet in the Club World Cup due to illness, having recently been released from hospital, but returned to training ahead of the Salzburg match. When he returns, he will be forced to meet Alonso's intense demands or face being left out, despite scoring 43 goals last season. Alonso's comments suggest a big change is ahead for Mbappe and Vinicius, who were were rarely asked to press under Ancelotti. The Italian once said that he did not mind if Mbappe focused purely on scoring.
AFPWHAT NEXT FOR REAL MADRID?
Alonso has made it clear that qualification isn’t enough, the goal is to win and finish first, as the Bernbeau outfit face the Austrian side in their final Group H match in Philadelphia. Mbappe may still be rested as he recovers from a stomach bug.