Xabi Alonso described implementing changes as a “process” following Real Madrid’s 1-1 draw with Al Hilal in their Club World Cup opener.
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Alonso says Real Madrid rebuild a “process”
Young forward Gonzalo García gave Madrid the lead in the 34th minute at the Hard Rock Stadium.
However, Rúben Neves equalised for Al Hilal from the penalty spot.
Madrid had the chance to win the game in added time with another penalty, but goalkeeper Yassine Bounou to save Federico Valverde’s spot kick.
“The second half was much better than the first,” Alonso said in his post-match news conference. “In the first half we lacked a lot of things, we didn’t have balance. We’ve talked about that.”
“I liked the reaction. We were able to change our rhythm, have more control, and play more in the opposition half. It’s a process. We have to take the positives and look to improve.”
“It would take time”
Alonso replaced Carlo Ancelotti after Madrid failed to win a major trophy last season.
The former Bayer Leverkusen manager only held his first training session on June 9, before flying to the United States for the tournament.
“I knew it would take time,” he said. “There are things we have to change. We’ll have to correct them, and we’ll keep doing that. Everything takes time, we’ve had nine days, and some players have had just three training sessions.”
“It’s demanding, we’re in a competition, but we want to learn, and what we want to do will take time.”
