Xabi Alonso demands Vinicius and Mbappe to improve defensive work

Xabi Alonso emphasizes the importance of improved defensive work from Real Madrid’s star players — particularly Vinícius Júnior and Kylian Mbappé — ahead of their Club World Cup group match against Salzburg.

Los Blancos have collected four points from two matches — drawing 1-1 with Al Hilal and winning 3-1 against Pachuca — putting them in an advantageous position to advance to the round of 16.

“We all have to defend, 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, Fede, Kylian,” Alonso stated during the press conference.

The Madrid coach also appreciated the competition level in this tournament — where South American teams have been able to compete with European sides. Regarding the possibility of facing Manchester City in the knockout phase, Alonso emphasized his team will still play to win against Salzburg.

Concerning Rodrygo who wasn’t used against Pachuca, Alonso stated that the Brazilian player remains important to the team — the decision not to play him was purely technical.