[Real Madrid](https://www.managingmadrid.com) coach Xabi Alonso addressed the media in Philadelphia on Wednesday evening ahead of the team’s final group stage fixture of the FIFA Club World Cup against RB Salzburg. Responding to Kiyan Sobhani of Managing Madrid, he spoke about the best role of Fede Valverde as he said that, “I have some ideas for him, but he’s a player who can play anywhere on the pitch, closer to the wing or in the double pivot... He gives us a lot of flexibility”.
### **Xabi Alonso on his expectations**
“Win and be first. We want to do it with eleven players. Against a dynamic opponent.”
### **Xabi Alonso on Rodrygo Goes**
“He looks good to me, eager. It was a tactical decision to leave him out against Pachuca. He’s special.”
### **Xabi Alonso on Joan Laporta’s claim about Real Madrid having freedom**
“I don’t want to get involved, but we do have a sense of freedom and democracy, and they have some power; it goes both ways.”
### **Xabi Alonso on Kylian Mbappé’s fitness**
“I was happy to see him on the pitch; it was his first day back in boots. He still has a slight weakness that prevents him from playing at the competitive level we need. We discussed it after training. We would prefer him to be fit if we advance to the next phase. He is still in the recovery process.”
### **Xabi Alonso on whether Rodrygo is expendable if a sale is needed**
“I am very happy with all of the players and I count on all of them. They are all very talented and the season is very demanding, with a balanced squad and healthy competition. There are 50 or 60 matches.”
### **Xabi Alonso on Dean Huijsen’s start**
“He’s another pillar of the team. He demonstrated his personality with the national team and with us in just two days. He makes himself loved and respected. He’s a great signing. We have to support him and push him; he has room for improvement, so he can’t relax. But I’m happy with him.”
### **Xabi Alonso on whether winning the group gives Real Madrid a tougher route to the final**
“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.”
### **Xabi Alonso on the level of the tournament**
“It’s good for European football to see the level that exists outside. Adapting to these conditions helps because they’re not ours. But you see teams that you don’t have on your radar and that are performing at a very high level. River, the Brazilians... At first, we thought it would be dominated by the Europeans, but it has opened our eyes in general.”
### **Xabi Alonso on Brahim Díaz**
“He’s going to be very important, he’s competitive and understands things very well. He has the quality to change games, in 20 or 30 minutes he stirs things up, generates a reaction. Also from the start, but having impact players is important. I know I can count on him for anything.”
### **Xabi Alonso on the team’s ability to learn**
“The group shows a willingness to learn, evolve and adapt to this new stage. With top-level players, it’s easy to explain things to them on paper; they grasp concepts quickly. There’s daily work that we want them to take to heart.”
### **Xabi Alonso on Jude Bellingham’s absence after surgery**
“He’s key for us. I think he’ll help us in terms of creativity, but he also has that clinical finishing touch. We want him to get better and better.”
### **Xabi Alonso on rest periods**
“This is more than a pre-season, it’s like a national team championship. You can see it in the distribution of minutes. That’s why this tournament is special. Yesterday we gave the players a bit of a break with that day off, they needed that air.”
### **Xabi Alonso on who will replace Raúl Asencio**
“I’ve thought about it, but I can’t say.”
### **Xabi Alonso on David Alaba’s return**
“He’s taking a little longer, we have to be patient, take it step by step with him.”