Real Madrid News
Official: Xabi Alonso names Real Madrid squad list for FIFA Club World Cup
Having started working with the team this week, new Real Madrid manager Xabi Alonso has announced the squad list of players he will be taking to the USA this week for the FIFA Club World Cup.
The 43-year-old Spanish tactician, who took over from Carlo Ancelotti, has named a number of young players from the reserve and academy ranks in the list while the injured players also seem set to travel.
Obviously, both the new signings Dean Huijsen and Trent Alexander-Arnold are on the list.
On top of that, Alonso has called up Ferland Mendy, Eduardo Camavinga, and Endrick, all of whom are unlikely to be available for selection due to injuries.
The likes of David Alaba, Eder Militao, Dani Carvajal, and Brahim Diaz, all of whom have resumed training this week, are also in the squad.
As far as the youth talent goes, the manager has called up backup goalkeepers Fran Gonzalez and Sergio Mestre.
Young defenders Yusi, Jacobo Ramon, Diego Aguado, and Jesus Fortea are all included along with midfielder Chema. Mario Martin, back after his loan spell, is also in the squad.
Forwards Gonzalo Garcia and Victor Munoz will also be on the flight to North America.
Real Madrid begin their journey in the competition with a game against Al-Hilal on June 18 while they also have CF Pachuca and RB Salzburg in their group.
📋 ¡Nuestra lista de jugadores inscritos para el Mundial de Clubes!@FIFACWC | #TakeItToTheWorld | #FIFACWC pic.twitter.com/W48Uua69wK
— Real Madrid C.F. (@realmadrid) June 11, 2025
Real Madrid News
Real Madrid star Huijsen credits Mourinho for improved form in new season: ‘He supports me a lot’
Real Madrid will be looking to get back to winning ways in LaLiga as they take on Rayo Vallecano on Saturday.
The club are coming on the back of a 1-0 defeat to Real Betis last weekend but did secure a narrow win over Inter Milan in the midweek Champions League fixture.
Heading into this game, Dean Huijsen, who has been showing a lot of promise in these early parts of the season, spoke to the club’s official media about the match ahead and how Real Madrid have been coping with the pressure early on, among other things.
Huijsen on Rayo and his defensive duties
The young centre-back was fully aware of the threat posed by Rayo and praised the opposition.
“We know that Rayo is a good team, and it’s a tough team to face, and we must give our all as we do in all matches to secure the three points, that’s the only thing that matters, and for the Bernabeu to be with us and for us all to be united,” he said.
He also detailed the defensive demands placed on him by the coaching staff led by Jose Mourinho.
“Well, what every coach asks of you: ferocity, intercepting balls, and winning one-on-one duels. He supports me a lot, and I think this helps me greatly, and defending together as a team,” he said.
On the team’s preparations for the fixture, Huijsen offered an insight into their training routine.
“We’re working on some tactics related to the opponent. And well, after that it depends on the day; we might play a mini-match among ourselves or not,” he added.
Huijsen on Mourinho and his fine form
The Spaniard was quick to credit Mourinho, with whom he previously worked at Roma, for his development and current level.
“We’ve known each other for a while, even though we spent a relatively short time together in Rome. He gave me the opportunity to make the real leap into professional football, and I’ll always be grateful to him for that,” Huijsen said.
Reflecting on his own performances, the defender was in confident mood, once again pointing to the influence of his coach and teammates.
“I think I’m in good shape. Well, I think I’m delivering a good level, and I believe that’s thanks to the coach too, as he keeps track of me and takes great care of me.”
“Well, I’m also doing my very best, and I think the teammates are supporting me too, and this is the perfect equation,” he added.
Finally, Huijsen explained how he manages his recovery amid a congested schedule.
“There are a lot of matches, so we need to recover well and stay focused on football, then you have to sleep well. And yes, on the days after the match, I also take a cold shower and a hot shower to recover better,” he concluded.
