Xabi Alonso known as on Actual Madrid stars like Vinícius Júnior and Kylian Mbappé to “enhance” their off-the-ball work-rate forward of the group’s closing Membership World Cup group recreation with Salzburg.
Madrid have picked up 4 factors from two video games to date — drawing 1-1 with Al Hilal and beating Pachuca 3-1 — to place themselves in a robust place to progresss to the spherical of 16 forward of their match with Salzburg on Thursday at Lincoln Monetary Area, Philadelphia.
Vinícius and Mbappé confronted some criticism final season beneath Alonso’s predecessor, Carlo Ancelotti, for his or her efforts when out of possession.
“All of us should defend, the 11 gamers on the sphere should be concerned,” Alonso mentioned in a information convention on Wednesday. “They should see how we wish to press, we’re all concerned — Vini, Jude [Bellingham], Fede [Valverde], Kylian.
“The defence has to push up, the tighter we’re with the areas [between us] the higher. Now we have to enhance that. We’re engaged on it, and Vini too.”
Alonso praised the extent of competitors on the event to date, which has seen South American groups compete properly in opposition to European opposition.
“It is good for European soccer to see the extent of competitors outdoors,” Alonso mentioned. “You see groups that you do not see as typically, who’re superb, at an excellent stage. River [Plate], we’ll see them in opposition to Inter [on Wednesday], the Brazilians too. Firstly [of the tournament] all of us regarded on the European groups, however I feel that is good for soccer generally.”
If Actual Madrid high Group H, they may face Manchester Metropolis — who they met in final season’s Champions League — within the knockout part, however Alonso denied that his group would take that under consideration in opposition to Salzburg.
“It is not a good suggestion to consider not successful,” Alonso mentioned. “That is not an excellent message for anybody, setting an goal that is not clear. Clearly I am not blind, I’ve seen the draw, however we’ll play to win.”
Ahead Rodrygo was an unused substitute in opposition to Pachuca, fueling hypothesis about his future, however Alonso mentioned he is been pleased with the Brazil worldwide’s angle.
“He appears to be like good, enthusiastic,” Alonso mentioned. “The opposite day [against Pachuca] was a technical resolution however he is nonetheless essential, he is a particular participant. I feel he’ll play an essential half on the Membership World Cup.”