Real Madrid’s Brazilian forward Vinicius Junior is fired up to win the newly formatted FIFA Club World Cup.
Overjoyed at the appointment of Xabi Alonso as Real Madrid’s new head coach, Vinicius is hopeful the former midfield maestro can lead the team to major success. And he wants that journey to begin with the upcoming Club World Cup.
Under Carlo Ancelotti’s guidance, Real Madrid ended the season empty-handed in both domestic and European competitions. With the conclusion of La Liga, the veteran Italian coach departed to take charge of the Brazil national team. In his place, Spanish World Cup winner and former Bayer Leverkusen coach Alonso steps into the Bernabéu dugout.
Alonso’s journey with Madrid kicks off with the new-look Club World Cup. Historically the most successful team in the tournament, Real Madrid have lifted the trophy five times. But this year, the tournament expands to a 32-team format for the first time—offering a new kind of challenge.
Having just completed his international duty with Brazil in the World Cup qualifiers under Ancelotti, Vinicius has rejoined the Madrid camp in the United States. In an interview with Real Madrid TV, the 24-year-old outlined his ambitions:
“We are eager to win the (Club) World Cup for the first time, because people never forget the first one. And this is the only trophy that Madrid don’t have. We’ll play to win it.”
“I arrived last night. Reunited with my friends after a long time—it feels great. I’m ready to adapt to the schedule, the weather, and everything else. We’re all here, and we’re all prepared.”
Vinicius added that he had already spoken with Alonso, even before their official meeting on Saturday:
“We’re training very hard, and today we’re a bit more relaxed because of the travel. We’re preparing for the matches. I’ve already talked to the coach. I’m very happy, and now it’s time to keep working hard to win many things with him.”
Real Madrid’s Club World Cup campaign will kick off on Wednesday at Miami’s Hard Rock Stadium against Saudi Arabian side Al Hilal. With intense heat expected, Vinicius knows it won’t be easy.
“It’s very hot here. The match is at 3 p.m., so we have to be ready, because it’s going to be very tough.”
