Real Madrid will play against RB Salzburg in their final group game of the Club World Cup, and coach Xabi Alonso has planned how things should go.
Real Madrid will solidify top spot in their group with a win, and they will ironically move to the tougher part of the bracket despite doing well.
Real Madrid would have it easier if they finish second, but Alonso is having none of that.
He was asked about a lot of things in his pre-match press conference, from injuries to their table positions. And he gave a brilliant response to the journalist, while setting out two main objectives.
Xabi Alonso sets 2 big objectives for crucial RB Salzburg clash
He said: “We have two objectives tomorrow: to win and top the group. And to feel good with and without the ball.
"Winning the match is our aim. It’s not a good idea to look at that , it’s not a good message for anyone. The feelings we have are important. I’ve seen the table, I’m not blind, but we’re going to go out and win.”
Those are excellent responses.
It is clear that Real Madrid need to focus on a lot of things. Regardless of the result, these matches tell Alonso a lot about the team. It shows how much they are improving on a game by game basis. It also shows the players that should stay and the ones who would not have as big of a role.
Winning the group, despite that side of the bracket being harder, gives Real Madrid a lot of confidence and shows Alonso that things are working out.
The motive is to improve after each passing game, and it will be good to see them play against tougher opponents in an attempt to refine their approach.
It remains to be seen how much Real Madrid would improve in the next game, but Alonso wants more from them.