Real Madrid coach Xabi Alonso appeared at a press conference to discuss the upcoming match against Pachuca on Sunday, in the second round of the group stage of the Club World Cup, at the Bank of America Stadium.

The coach said: "I expect a strong match. We want to play well and win. In a short tournament like this, after drawing in the first round, we need to win and finish the season better. We want to play a more complete match, with the ball and without it. We have had five training sessions, and everything takes time, but the match schedule forces us to compete strongly. We are excited for tomorrow's match."

He added: "Vinicius? I don't think he needs to regain himself; I believe he is fine, but we all want to push him to be decisive, as he has been many times. He has that quality and a unique style of play that is unpredictable. When he shines on the pitch, he helps the team a lot. We hope he will be decisive tomorrow; and he will certainly remain so for the rest of the season."

He continued: "We can control the midfield; we need to work on that. It can be achieved with different formations. We will see how things go over time; in the first half (against Al Hilal) it was not good at all and not what we wanted, but in the second half the reaction was more positive. We were more in control, and this should be the approach we follow."

Regarding signing a new midfielder: "We are not thinking about it right now. We are focused on the Club World Cup; we will see that over time."

On Kylian Mbappe's condition: "His condition is improving. He returned from the hospital two days ago and is recovering. Day by day, we are becoming more optimistic about his readiness for the Salzburg match."

On Gonzalo Garcia's contribution: "He can contribute as he did in the last match. That’s why we rely on him. He is a key forward. He scored a goal and had three other chances; it’s important to have players with that touch. We had players around him who were not as skillful, but Gonzalo performed wonderfully. We will see what happens in the future. We are focused on this tournament."

He noted: "I don't see the players suffering from anxiety to play well; I have noticed a desire to improve and to participate in doing things correctly. This motivates you daily in training, but I notice this ambition and positive calm. Tomorrow there won’t be much calm. There will be competition and intense play."

He added: "The importance of video in your work? Video plays a fundamental role in these periods that range from two to three days between matches. Sometimes you can't do much because players need rest or because the weather is hot; we use video a lot visually. And now that they are in the hotel, they can't escape from us. This is a dynamic we want to adopt throughout the season."

On the pressure at Real Madrid: "I cope with that and prepare for what I can control; I can control decisions related to players, substitutions, and how to prepare for matches. That is what I can control, but other things are beyond my control."

Regarding Antonio Rudiger's condition: "Rudiger has received medical clearance and is on the team list; he will be a very important player. Tomorrow we should gradually ease back into competition; as for the other injured players, not much has changed."

On who will take the penalties: "Before the match, we always determine who will shoot. We decide that. It depends on the match and who is on the pitch; in the last match, Valverde was present..."

Regarding Arda Güler's position, who expressed his desire to play in midfield, and about Dani Ceballos's future: "I spoke with Arda, and I want him close to the ball. He is a special player and always helps the team play. He has a significant impact; Dani Ceballos and I talked during these days, and he can offer us a lot. He has that quality and understanding of the game. This season, he will have an important role. We rely on Dani."

On Pachuca: "Their coach Jaime Lozano has an impressive career. Now he faces a new challenge with Pachuca. I watched the friendly match against Al Ahly and against Salzburg. They have brave teams that take the initiative. They have a good touch on the ball. Tomorrow we face a good opponent."

He continued: "During my time at Real Madrid, it will be important to prioritize what we need to explain or change. We have many ideas, but we need to work quickly and execute well; currently, there are not many tactics that the team can show; maybe after two years, we can conduct a more comprehensive analysis. We will try to look for solutions. Matches tell us a lot about what needs to be improved. I had excellent coaches during my playing career. I took things from all of them, but then you have to have your own personality to convey it to the players."

On Tchouaméni: "I don’t know what will happen during the year, but he is a key pillar in the team due to his weight, role, and versatility. He always makes small decisions to contribute to the team's benefit. He has a desire to develop and be an important player."

Regarding Alexander Arnold: "He is a different full-back, not just one of those who limit their role to advancing along the sideline. He also collaborates with players inside. But it is important that he knows how to enter the flow of the game. Having a player like him is very positive."

He concluded about Real Oviedo's rise to La Liga at the expense of Mirandés: "I congratulate Oviedo. I think they spent 24 years without playing in the top division. I feel sad for the Mirandés team because I know some people there, but that’s the way football is. I’m very happy for my friend Santi Cazorla, who made that gesture of returning to Oviedo at this age, and he certainly had a significant impact."