Real Madrid’s Club World Cup Aspirations
Real Madrid is looking to rejuvenate their season by clinching victory in the upcoming Club World Cup, recently receiving a positive boost regarding the fitness of key players. With new manager Xabi Alonso at the helm, his debut matches for the team will occur during this prestigious tournament taking place in the United States this summer.
Managerial Debut and Tactical Strategies
Fans and analysts alike are curious to see if Alonso will implement his preferred 3-4-3 formation, which he successfully employed while coaching Bayer Leverkusen. However, the squad may face challenges due to a shortage of central defenders.
Defensive Challenges
Currently, Alonso can only count on Aurelien Tchouameni and Raul Asencio for defensive roles, with Eder Militao ruled out for the tournament. Concerns linger about the availability of veteran defenders David Alaba and Antonio Rudiger, particularly regarding their ability to travel across the Atlantic.
Rudiger’s Recovery and Outlook
On a brighter note, optimism surrounds Rudiger’s recovery. According to reports from Diario AS, he could be ready to participate in Real Madrid’s second match of the tournament against Pachuca on June 22.
Rudiger had undergone knee surgery in late April after his persistent issues were exacerbated following the Copa del Rey final, in which he was sent off and subsequently handed a six-match ban.
As the Club World Cup approaches, it will be crucial for both Rudiger and Real Madrid’s coaching staff to manage his participation carefully to avoid any injuries that could jeopardize his recovery. The upcoming tournament not only presents a chance for redemption but also offers Alonso a significant opportunity to establish his tactical vision for the team moving forward.
