Real Madrid coach Xabi Alonso appeared at a press conference to talk about the match against Salzburg on Friday in the third round of the group stage of the Club World Cup.

The coach said: "We have two goals for tomorrow: to win and to top the group. In the last match, even though we played with ten players, we felt very comfortable. We played well, and we want to repeat that with eleven players against a strong opponent. This is the critical stage, and our goal is to qualify for the next round."

Regarding Rodrigo's future, he said: "I think Rodrigo is doing well; his absence in the last round was a technical decision. He is still an important player, and we will need him. He will play a strong role in the Club World Cup."

On Mbappe's condition: "I was happy to see him back training with us, but this was the first day he ran a little. He is still struggling with performance issues and won’t be able to keep up with the competitive level required tomorrow. If we qualify, he will be available starting from the round of sixteen. He is still in the recovery phase and won’t be available tomorrow."

He added: "Ferland Mendy still needs some time to return to the field, while Camavinga is progressing quickly and spending more time with the team on the pitch. I don’t know if he will be available for the upcoming matches, but we hope for his return soon. He is a top-class player, and we need him."

On Dean House's notable performance: "He is an indispensable player; he has shown the character he possesses since the moment he arrived, whether with the national team or with us. In matches and daily life, he is a great signing, we need to support him and put pressure on him because he still has room for improvement, and he must not relax. But I am happy to have Dean with us."

He continued: "Will you face a tough opponent in the next round even if you top the group? We don’t think about not winning. It’s not a good message for anyone; feelings and impressions are very important. This is not something anyone thinks about. Yes, I saw the schedule, I’m not blind, but we will go for the win; the World Cup is the most important title at this moment. It will be competitive, yes, but we want to try."

Regarding the presence of the trio Rodrigo, Ibrahim Diaz, and Mastantuno in the right wing position: "I am very happy with everyone and rely on everyone; it will be a very tough season, we will play 50 or 60 matches. We need a team with strong competition, and I am satisfied."

He added: "This tournament is very beneficial for European football to see the competitive level outside the continent; adaptation is important, but we see teams that we do not face daily, and they are very good teams. River plays very well, as do Brazilian clubs; before the tournament started, we said that European teams would have the upper hand, and now our perspective has changed."

He noted: "Ibrahim Diaz will have a big role. He is a competitive young player and understands things well. He has the quality to change the course of matches. When he participates for 20 or 30 minutes, he makes an impact, creates a reaction. And also when he starts as a starter, but having players who leave a good impact is important. I can rely on him for anything."

On Fede Valverde's position: "I have some ideas, but he is a very complete player. He can play in several positions on the field. He can play close to the wings and in other positions. We have great flexibility with him."

Regarding his time at Real Madrid as a player: "Real Madrid is a great club. These factors help Real Madrid achieve more accomplishments. It is a privilege and an honor to be part of this club. I will strive to achieve our goals and expand our legend."

He continued: "Bellingham is a key player, and I really like what he does in midfield and how he participates in all attacks, the quality we saw against Pachuca; we try to be close to him, he has great ambition, he is a player who always wants to improve and continue to grow; we have a strong desire to keep watching him grow and develop."

He emphasized: "We all have to defend; we need to know how to press; without that, it will be very difficult. Vinicius, Jude, Fede, Kylian, and the defenders. The less space there is between the lines, the better; we need to improve the distances, and we are all working on that, including Vinicius."

On Real Madrid's interest in signing Bayer Leverkusen's defender Piero Hincapié: "I can’t say anything. As for Piero, I can say a lot. I have great respect for him. It was a great phase for everyone. Regarding interests, I don’t interfere."

On Asensio's replacement, who will be absent due to suspension, and David Alaba's condition: "I have thought about Asensio's replacement, but I can’t say it; it’s obvious (laughs). Alaba needs more time to be ready due to the nature of his injury."

He noted: "Salzburg is different from the one Madrid faced in the fall. They have signed players for this tournament and have a very clear idea. We need to give our best to beat them. I know them well."

On Real Madrid's season: "The context is different because I just joined; I am not the most suitable to talk about Real Madrid's season, but since we started, and due to the changes, there is a feeling of a new phase. We have the motivation to deliver a good tournament."

He concluded: "Coaching Real Madrid is a demanding job, but the best thing in football is to be a player. The second-best thing is to be a coach. Things move very quickly, but I try to enjoy the experience as much as I can. I enjoy it a lot."