Kylian Mbappe is finally set to play his very first Club World Cup game for Real Madrid when they take on Juventus in the last 16 on Tuesday at the Hard Rock Stadium. This is great news for Real Madrid fans, especially since Mbappe missed all three group games because he was really sick with a stomach bug.
Real Madrid’s coach, Xabi Alonso, said in a press conference that Mbappe playing is “a big possibility.” Alonso also said the team is even stronger now that Dani Carvajal and Eder Militao are back from injuries.
“Both Dani and Eder are coming back after a long recovery. It’s good for them and for everyone to feel like they’re part of the team again,” Alonso explained.
He also said that, at this important point in the tournament, every single player matters. “Whether you start the game or come off the bench, you have an important job.”
Since becoming coach earlier this month, Alonso said he wants the team to work together as one. “We want a team where all 11 players give their best, with or without the ball. That way, our stars like Vinicius, Mbappe, Rodrigo, and Bellingham can play even better.”
On the other side, Juventus coach Igor Tudor knows this will be a tough match. But he made it clear that Juventus didn’t come just to practice for next season—they want to win.
“We have a great team. The draw could have been easier, but we have to accept it,” Tudor said at his press conference. “We have to believe in ourselves, work hard, and maybe get a little lucky. I believe in my players, and they believe, too. We’ll see what happens when the game starts.”
Tudor also gave Real Madrid some credit for changing their style under Alonso, saying it looks a lot like how Alonso coached Bayer Leverkusen. “Madrid have some weaknesses, though, and we’ll try to use those to our advantage,” he said.
The winner of this game will play against whoever wins the Borussia Dortmund vs. Monterrey match, which also takes place in Atlanta on Tuesday.
