Real Madrid will face La Liga giants Juventus in the last 16 of the 2025 Club World Cup, and coach Xabi Alonso said it is very important for the players to maintain a resilient attitude and this is something the coach must emphasize in the team.

Thanks to goals from Vinicius, Valverde and Gonzalo Garcia, Real Madrid defeated Red Bull Salzburg 3-0 in the third round of the group stage and successfully prepared for the match against Juventus with the first place.

Real Madrid coach Xabi Alonso said at a press conference, "We want to implement a collective concept, that is, everyone works together as a team and knows what to do without the ball. In this team structure, the individual abilities of the players, especially the forwards, must play a decisive role. It is difficult for me to teach Mbappe how to dribble the ball, but as a coach, we can emphasize how to maintain a tenacious attitude, and this is also the focus of our work."

"In these types of tournaments, once the group stage is over, the next games are a make or break. We're facing a strong team and it's going to demand a lot from us in terms of football, mentality and concentration. We've worked hard and everything is ready. This is a very different game because it's decisive and the tournament is so important. But it's not the first test, it's just another very important game."

Xabi Alonso said, "The first goal is of course to win. As for how to achieve it, whether to rely on the first team players or the second team players, we will make a decision later. But Real Madrid's youth training system has always performed well and must have a place. Although Real Madrid has high requirements, of course it must win."

"After the game, I always speak to everyone I meet, including Rodrygo. He will be an important player. In this kind of game, the starters and the substitutes are equally important. Every player is in good shape, including Rodrygo, and it is up to me to decide who will play.

In addition, Xabi Alonso also pointed out, "I emphasized the distance between the formations from the beginning. The closer we are to each other, the easier it is to control the game. Attitude is important, but organization is equally essential. Only when these two are combined can the team reach its best condition."

When asked about plans for next season, Xabi Alonso said, "We are beginning to feel the outline of some directions, but this competition is different from the games we play during the season. The pace is faster and the format is different, and every game must be played with all our strength. The players are getting to know me, I am getting to know them, and our entire coaching team is also building relationships. The efforts we make every day are to lay the foundation for the new season in August."

In addition, when talking about the upcoming match against Juventus, Xabi Alonso said, "They are a very sharp team with clear tactics and excellent team and individual abilities. They have top players and new reinforcements. They will be a very tough opponent, and the previous game against Manchester City cannot be used as a criterion for us to judge their strength."