Achtung Dortmund! Real Madrid boss Xabi Alonso predicts Kylian Mbappe will be ‘better for the quarter-finals’

Xabi Alonso is confident striker Kylian Mbappe will be closer to his best when Real Madrid face Borussia Dortmund at the Club World Cup on Saturday.

Mbappe made his return from acute gastroenteritis in yesterday’s 1-0 win against Juventus, coming on in the 68th minute to replace goalscorer Gonzalo Garcia.

He looked understandably rusty but Alonso believes the France captain will be sharper against the Bundesliga side at the weekend.

The Madrid boss said: “He’s getting better day by day. Between now and this Saturday he’ll be better. We’re going to keep monitoring him. I talk to him every day and he’ll be better for the quarters.”

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We’re competing for big things – Alonso

Madrid were not at their sparkling best against Juventus but ran out deserved winners.

Alonso added: “We have to do a lot with a little. We’ve only been together a short time and we’re competing for big things. We had to adjust things and the guys have grasped this well. We were getting more and more in the opposition’s half and we had to be patient. Unfortunately, we failed to find the second goal that would have given us the margin, but it’s Juventus and we have to compete. We had to grit our teeth at the end.

“Defensive solidity and discipline are fundamental and something we’ve tried to transmit from the start. The lads are eager and willing and that’s essential. They’re keen to absorb what the people who have come from Germany are asking of them.”

Alonso hails fabulous Fede

Madrid captain Federico Valverde was named man of the match after another outstanding display and Alonso is a big fan of the Uruguay midfielder.

“He makes my life much easier because he’s a top player, a complete player,” said the former Spain international. 

“He does practically everything well, leading on the field and he’s one of the best with and without the ball. I’m delighted to be with many of them and with Fede too, obviously.”

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