Real Madrid has already arrived in New Jersey, accompanied by his manager, Xabi Alonso. In the run -up to the quarterfinals of this club World Cup against Borussia Dortmund in Metlife Stadium (4 p.m. et), the Basque coach appeared to share his thoughts.
Here are the impressions of the Spanish coach:
Will Mbappé start? “He improves and recovers well. We will make the decision in the morning.”
Gonzalo or Mbappé? “Almost the same answer. The final decision will come tomorrow morning. Some things I have already decided, others I would rather leave until the last minute – so the players hear it first.”
'It is winning or going home'
With Gonzalo you would have three attackers: Kylian, Endrick and Gonzalo. “I count on all three. Endrick is still recovering. We are not yet invoicing this in a team plan – we have hardly discussed it.”
Can Gonzalo and Mbappé play together? “Yes. It depends on the moment and the needs of the team. They complement each other, and if the context requires it, I didn't exclude it at all.”
When developing the three central defenders in a short time: “Time is short. I think Tchouameni can be a hybrid – a role in one phase, another in another phase. That kind of versatility gives us more options.”
Valverde has been attacked more – he had the most shots. Ancelotti once said he had his driver's license on Valverde 10 goals. Would you do the same? “Ancelotti had such a long career that he could afford to make that bet (laughs). I just started – I can't take that kind of risk. But Valverde will score a lot.”
Have the followers been more rock and roll? Is Güler the link? “We are in the middle of the action. Sometimes it works, sometimes not – but yes, we need that energy, that adrenaline in the game. It is winning or going home.”
What is most surprised about Tchouameni? “I had seen him enough before, but from close up you can see how intelligent he is in grabbing concepts. What is important is finding players who complement each other in that area.”
'This is a time for Arda to grow'
Güler is struggling in duels because of his physicality. How can he improve? “The point to anticipate instead of responding – about not only trusting strength. This is a time for Arda to grow. We push him to gain experience and adulthood, knowing that he will make mistakes and that is part of the process.”
Modric and the impossibility of another year: “It was a pleasure to play next to him, and now to view him from the touchline – to see his influence and how much the team learns from him.”
Rodrygo is not at its best. Can you help him come back there? “I spoke to him yesterday. He is in a good state of mind – more than ready to perform when needed.”
About physical efforts in the last phases and the discomfort of Valverde: “We have to manage it, that's why we made replacements earlier. Valverde was very tired and experienced some discomfort, but he has recovered well.”
There has been talk of the tactical tweaks made during cooling breaks. Should Football Time -Outs introduce, or do you prefer a more classic style? “I am not against exploring the idea, but in general I am not sure whether disruptive elements help the flow of the game. Under normal circumstances I do not think this is the best solution.”
Will Mastantuono participate on August 14 before his 18th birthday? “No, it will be when he turns 18.”
Planning Post-World Cup: “There is still time, but we have to plan ahead. Everyone will need rest and we will train in Valdebebas. No road-Kampen-all a short window and decisions that have already been taken with the players.”
Borussia went from dominating to dominated against Rayados: “It came down to the 2-0 lead and then the strong performance of Monterrey.”
Often confronted with Borussia – does it help? Is this the same team that you have previously confronted? “It's different now. Niko Kovac has built the team steadily.”
Medical report? Does the pressure to complete the team early influence on your decisions? “The list remains the same. The only update is Camavinga, but it can still be a bit early for him.”
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