Real Madrid will begin their journey at the FIFA Club World Cup tomorrow when they lock horns with Al-Hilal in their Group H opener.
With a new manager in Xabi Alonso at the helm, the Spanish capital giants will be gunning for a winning start as they aim to end the 2024/25 campaign with a major trophy.
On the eve of the match in the USA, Real Madrid midfielder Dani Ceballos addressed the media, discussing various topics including the new manager’s methods and the team’s summer signings.
Kicking things off, Ceballos provided an update on his physical and mental condition heading into Real Madrid’s competition debut, saying:
“On a personal level, I’m 100% recovered from the injury. I’m really looking forward to starting, I’m really excited about the team… and I’m focused on going for this World Cup.”
Opening up on how the early days have been under Alonso, Ceballos noted: “The coach still has the soul of a player! He’s very involved in defensive and offensive work… and he keeps his touch. We are learning new things.”
Continuing, the midfielder added: “Xabi is very tactical, he likes positional play, stealing the ball in the opposition’s half and playing tight defence. We’ve only been here a little while, but we’re adopting what he asks of us. When the games start, we’ll go further.”
One of the concerns for the players has been the hot weather but Ceballos insists it should not stop them from giving their 100%.
“Getting used to it. It’s also very hot in Madrid. The schedule is for both teams, we have to adapt and give our best. The weather shouldn’t stop us from giving 100%,” he stated.
Ready to hit the ground running. (Photo by Florencia Tan Jun/Getty Images)
The Spanish midfielder then gave his two cents about Real Madrid’s new signings Dean Huijsen and Trent Alexander-Arnold, both of whom are expected to start tomorrow.
“They are two different players. Huijsen is young and more or less adapts faster, because he can speak the language, being with the national team. He has played in the Premier League and knows us a bit,” he said.
“About Trent… What can I say… he has an incredible track record and he’s coming to bring his experience. Hopefully he can give us a leap in quality.”
On the third summer signing, Franco Mastantuono, who will arrive in August, Ceballos added:
“Personally I haven’t seen him, only with Argentina, but he has a splendid future and if Madrid have signed him, it’s because he has the quality. Let’s hope that he does well with River now, that there are no injuries and that he arrives well with us.
“European football is different to South American football, but we will make him feel like one of us.”
Concluding, Ceballos shared his thoughts on the Ballon d’Or race, stating that the Club World Cup might have an impact on who wins the prize.
“There’s still the Club World Cup. I can’t vote, but if I did, there’s still this tournament to go and it could decide it,” he said.
Source: AS
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