Real Madrid manager, Xabi Alonso, has suggested why his team failed to beat Al Hilal in their opening game at the FIFA Club World Cup on Wednesday.
Alonso’s side were held to a 1-1 draw by Al Hilal at the Hard Rock Stadium, USA.
Goals from Gonzalo Garcia and Ruben Neves ensured both teams got a point each.
Speaking after the game, Alonso said at his post-match interview that Real Madrid lacked a lot of things both on and off the ball during the encounter.
According to him, Madrid’s performance against the Saudi Arabia side was not good enough, adding that his team needs to improve on ‘balance’ on the ball.
The Spaniard said: “We lacked a lot of things in the first half, both on and off the ball.
“I asked the players at half time to be a little more patient with the ball, to stop rushing. We were definitely better in the second half.”
“What we need to improve? The balance on the ball. In the second half, we had longer phases of possession, we got closer to their box, it was better. It wasn’t enough, but it was better,” he added.
