Real Madrid coach Xabi Alonso appeared at a press conference after the 3-0 victory over Salzburg in the last round of the group stage of the FIFA Club World Cup held in the United States.

The coach said: "I am satisfied with the team's performance. There was an attack in the second half where the team remarkably fell back after a corner kick, and everyone's sacrifices were crucial. Without that, today's victory would not have been possible."

He added: "The road is still long in the World Cup, and we know we will face Juventus in the Round of 16. Juventus is Juventus. I completely respect that, and we need to prepare well for that match. Either we continue the journey or we go back home, so we need to be ready."

He emphasized: "I am happier with today's match than I was in the first half of the match against Al-Hilal. We are still in the early stages, and we are progressing cautiously. There is still more to come. We are starting a new era, and we are making changes amid tough competition. We have been clear about our strategy during this period, even though there is still much to improve."

Regarding playing with three defenders: "I have always been flexible in using different playing systems; the players are smart enough to know the pros and cons of this system. This system has given us stability, maturity, and control over the game. It provides us with three players against two, with Hausen and Rudiger on the flanks, and spaces between with Jude and Arda. I love this flexibility, so I can use it when needed."

He added: "Vinicius Junior had a great match. I do not take the goal and the assist for granted, but also for his outstanding defensive performance, and his understanding of how to communicate; this allowed us to play with great cohesion, and in attack, he had more freedom, as he brilliantly entered the penalty area and connected with Gonzalo, who tires the center-backs. He leaves feeling good. I leave with the same feeling too, but we have to continue because the road is still long."

On the partnership between Vinicius and Mbappe: "Vinicius can play on the flanks while Mbappe plays inside; thinking about the reasons for success, success can be achieved. We need collective quality for the players to receive good support, so that everyone benefits from the collective system."

On Mbappe's return: "We need him, and we want him to return as soon as possible and in the best condition. I do not want to be overly optimistic or jump the gun until Tuesday, but we need him because he is a top-class player, one of the best in the world. We hope he returns."

On Gonzalo Garcia: "I know him well. I follow Castilla closely, and I know his players well. He is not much of a surprise to me. He is a classic number 9; he reminds me of Raul in many ways: always in a good position and has a strong work ethic. We need him more, and we are working on developing him. We have not made any decisions yet regarding next season. We are focusing on the FIFA Club World Cup. The tournament tells us a lot, but we have not made any decisions yet."

He added: "Rudiger suffered from cramps; his injury was not serious; this was his first start. He played a lot with three central defenders when he was at Chelsea, and this system gives us strength and flexibility. It gives us strength and collective efficiency, which we hope for the players."

On Endrick: "He is in the recovery phase, but we want him to be ready as soon as possible. He will join us in the United States to train with the team, and of course, I am counting on him."

On the club's fans in the United States: "We have been coming here for many years, and we know how popular Real Madrid is, whether in the United States or in South America and Asia. This is the greatness of this team, and we are very grateful to feel like we are at home. It is a great pleasure and a huge support for us."