Real Madrid drew 1-1 with Al Hilal in its debut at the Club World Cup, leaving Xabi Alonso with a bitter taste. However, what bothered the coach the most was an issue that's been on his mind: the lack of a key signing for his team.
The signing Xabi Alonso requested
According to sources close to the situation, Xabi Alonso had asked the club for a playmaking midfielder, a player capable of bringing order to the game and offering more control in the midfield. However, Real Madrid were reluctant to make this signing, arguing that "what we have is enough." This snub in the transfer market could have been one of the reasons for the draw in the first match of the Club World Cup.
The Madrid coach, frustrated, approached Florentino PĆ©rez to request the signing of a midfielder. Xabi Alonso knows that this type of player is vital to improve control in matches and that the team needs it to take another step in its evolution.
Xabi Alonso's analysis of the match
Despite the result, Xabi Alonso wasn't blunt when assessing the team's performance. In his analysis of the match, he highlighted that the second half was better than the first.
"We missed a lot of things, with and without the ball. We lost the ball too quickly and didn't have balance, things we'd talked about, but it was harder for us than we expected," he said after the draw.
The Madrid coach is aware that the lack of signings, especially in the midfield, may be affecting the team's performance. However, he didn't blame the players directly, but instead analyzed the lack of balance and fluidity in his system.
Signings and future additions
Regarding the signings that did arrive at the team, Xabi Alonso was pleased with the additions of Trent and Huijsen. "First, congratulations to them, because it's an important day for them.
Making their debut with Real Madrid will surely be a milestone for them," he noted. The coach highlighted that both have the necessary personality to become important players for the team.
Regarding the signing of Mastantuono, who will arrive in August, Alonso was more cautious, although he didn't hesitate to praise him. "Time will tell, but of course he can be a starter or come off the bench. Our idea is for him to help from the beginning, we have great expectations."
For Alonso, having this player in the squad is a great opportunity, and he hopes he can provide what the team needs.