Real Madrid coach Xabi Alonso addressed the media in New York ahead of the team's FIFA Club World Cup quarter-final against Borussia Dortmund, focusing on the attacking options available to him, particularly the potential pairing of Kylian Mbappé and Gonzalo García. Alonso stated, "They could play together; it depends on the moment and the needs, they complement each other. If the context calls for it, I haven’t ruled it out at all."

Alonso also took a moment to express his condolences regarding the recent tragic news involving Diogo Jota and his brother, reflecting on the somber atmosphere this has created. He emphasized the importance of the upcoming match against Dortmund, acknowledging them as one of Europe’s top teams and underscoring the need for his squad to perform at a high level.

Regarding Mbappé's fitness, Alonso mentioned that the forward has been training well and is feeling better after recent concerns. The final decision on whether he starts will be made the following morning. Additionally, Alonso discussed the versatility of Aurélien Tchouaméni, expressing confidence in his ability to adapt to different roles within the team.

As the team prepares for the intense match against Dortmund, Alonso remains focused on immediate results while also considering the broader context of squad dynamics and player fitness. The upcoming match is expected to be a test of Real Madrid's capabilities as they aim to progress further in the tournament.