Xabi Alonso spoke to the media in the press room at the

High temperatures
“I'm not worried at all because it is what it is, it's something I have no control over, although it does have a big impact. We have to accept it and know how to adapt. We have to take it in our stride”.

The squad
"Day-to-day life is very good because the individual quality is incredible. Now we have to work hard. I really appreciate and respect what they've done. We're starting a new era and we're going to work in our own way. There's a very good foundation and we have to build on that”.

The injured players
“Rüdiger put in a tremendous effort during the season and has worked very hard to recover. He'll be the first to return. If all goes well, he'll be in the squad for the second game. We have to be patient with the others. Camavinga is progressing faster than we expected. Alaba, Carvajal and Militão need more time".

Rodrygo
“The end of the season wasn't easy for him, but he took some time out, which was good as he didn't go away with the national team. It helped him to reset. We've been talking since day one and I can see he's eager to contribute and enjoy himself on the pitch. He can give us a lot of good things”.

Ceballos
“We talk every day. He's a very intelligent player. He loves football and we have little chats, although we haven't had a big conversation. We've talked about what the team can be and I'm very happy with him”.

Mastantuono
"He's a guy with a fantastic present and a brilliant future. The maturity he has in his game carries over off the pitch. I was impressed with the conversations I had with him because of his ambition and maturity. Things don't happen by chance. Today he won 3-1 with River and the steps he's taking have led him to be with us in August. He's going to be a very important addition for us. I saw him with ambition and confidence”.

Modrić
“We've always had a very good relationship. We trust each other to know what needs to be done at any given moment and I like the confidence he has in the younger players. He's a very good influence and we want to enjoy that in the four weeks we're going to be here. He's a generational player, a legend of Real Madrid's history . We want to squeeze every last drop out of him".

The adaptation of the younger players
“In the process of adapting to Madrid, everything takes time. Even Luka, I remember how he improved over his first year. It's a natural process and I'm sure that little by little they'll help more”.

The right-back
“For any coach, it's a huge privilege to have that level of player. Trent is more flexible and we're eager to have Carvajal back because of his personality and competitive level. Trent has had a big impact from day one and it's a privilege to have that headache of thinking about who's going to play”.

Vini Jr.
"I didn't know him, but within ten seconds I recognised his personality and the way he communicates with people. He's very passionate and you have to be close to him. I really like having that kind of player. He has a big heart. That's what I've felt over the last few days”.

The grass at the Hard Rock Stadium
“I'll see it when we get back. They've already played games here and we hope it's fine. Let's see if they can water it because of the heat".

What have you liked about the start of the competition?
“The Brazilian teams have performed very well. They're going to be tough opponents. It's something new for everyone and we can make this competition great. Being able to play against teams from different countries and continents makes this competition really attractive. Sometimes we think that there's nothing else outside Europe and we're very wrong. It's an opportunity to see where we are.”