Real Madrid manager, Xabi Alonso, has shared insights into his team’s struggles following their 1-1 draw with Al Hilal in their opening match at the FIFA Club World Cup on Wednesday.
The game, played at the Hard Rock Stadium in the United States, saw both sides settle for a point, with goals from Gonzalo Garcia and Ruben Neves.
Reflecting on the performance, Alonso admitted that his team fell short in several areas, both with and without the ball.
“We lacked a lot of things in the first half, both on and off the ball,” the Spaniard noted in his post-match interview.
He explained that he urged his players at the break to show more composure and control in possession.
“I asked the players at half time to be a little more patient with the ball, to stop rushing. We were definitely better in the second half.”
Despite a more organized showing after the interval, Alonso emphasized the need for better ball control and structure going forward.
“What we need to improve? The balance on the ball. In the second half, we had longer phases of possession, we got closer to their box, it was better. It wasn’t enough, but it was better,” he added.
The result means Real Madrid will need to step up their performance in the remaining group games to secure progression in the tournament.
