Real Madrid manager, Xabi Alonso, has explained the reasons behind his team’s 1-1 draw with Al Hilal in their opening match at the FIFA Club World Cup, played on Wednesday at the Hard Rock Stadium in the USA.
Goals from Gonzalo Garcia for Real Madrid and Ruben Neves for Al Hilal ensured both sides shared the spoils.
Reflecting on the performance in his post-match interview, Alonso admitted that Real Madrid lacked several key elements, both on and off the ball, particularly in the first half.
“We lacked a lot of things in the first half, both on and off the ball,” Alonso said.
The Spaniard revealed he instructed his players during halftime to be more patient in possession and stop rushing play, which led to an improved second-half display.
“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.”
However, Alonso acknowledged that the improvement wasn’t enough, stressing that his side needs to work on achieving better balance in possession.
“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.”
