
García: This is what Xabi asked of me, and we deserved to win
Real Madrid star Gonzalo García appeared in press statements after the 1-1 draw against Al-Hilal in the first round of the group stage of the FIFA Club World Cup.
The player said in his remarks: "It was a match in which we improved our performance over time, trying to adapt to the pitch, the heat, and all the conditions. In the second half, we pressed harder, and perhaps we deserved the three points. But we are happy with the team's performance; it's unfortunate that we couldn't achieve victory."
Regarding the first goal in Xabi Alonso's era: "It was a special match, not only for scoring my first goal in Xabi Alonso's era. But it was a special match for me, as I started as a starter for the first time in this shirt, and that means a lot to me. I hope to continue playing more minutes and contribute personally to the team."
About the moment of the goal: "Everything happened very quickly. I found a way to pass the ball with Vinícius Júnior, and I made a great counter-attack with all my teammates, and fortunately, it ended with a goal."
On his conversation with Xabi during the break: "He just asked me to stay in attack, monitor the defenders, and take advantage of any ball or mistake from the central defenders to score a goal."
On the role of young players: "Asensio is a great teammate. He has also shown, like us who participated for the first time this season, that we are ready. All the players from the youth academy, from Castilla, Real Madrid (B), and the under-19 team, contributed significantly. I am very happy for myself, for Asensio, and for the rest of my teammates who also got playing minutes."
The player said in his remarks: "It was a match in which we improved our performance over time, trying to adapt to the pitch, the heat, and all the conditions. In the second half, we pressed harder, and perhaps we deserved the three points. But we are happy with the team's performance; it's unfortunate that we couldn't achieve victory."
Regarding the first goal in Xabi Alonso's era: "It was a special match, not only for scoring my first goal in Xabi Alonso's era. But it was a special match for me, as I started as a starter for the first time in this shirt, and that means a lot to me. I hope to continue playing more minutes and contribute personally to the team."
About the moment of the goal: "Everything happened very quickly. I found a way to pass the ball with Vinícius Júnior, and I made a great counter-attack with all my teammates, and fortunately, it ended with a goal."
On his conversation with Xabi during the break: "He just asked me to stay in attack, monitor the defenders, and take advantage of any ball or mistake from the central defenders to score a goal."
On the role of young players: "Asensio is a great teammate. He has also shown, like us who participated for the first time this season, that we are ready. All the players from the youth academy, from Castilla, Real Madrid (B), and the under-19 team, contributed significantly. I am very happy for myself, for Asensio, and for the rest of my teammates who also got playing minutes."