Those are supposed to be the best teams in the world. I don't blame them, but we all know what's in play here. Infantino made a foundation of keeping people around that are there just because he pulls them up.
I legit have 0 interest in the club world cup lol. its not the tournament itself its just that this year i've watched so much football. There were points during the weekend where I would be at pubs with friends drinking beers all day watching games. I am a bit burned out to be honest.
Meanwhile I'm here ready to watch the Urawa Red Diamonds of the Meiji Yasuda J1 League just to get a glimpse of Mastantuono
Personally I'm excited to see what Xabi will be able to do even though it's too early for the players to fully adapt to his approach.
Unfortunately, Endrick is injured and out of the tournament. Didn't even travel with the team to the USA. He is still on his recovery plan in Spain
Fluminense much more dangerous than Dortmund. The South American clubs are showing a good level in this tournament.
I pretty much checked out the last month or so of the season. Exact same feeling of burn out, not just from poor Madrid stuff (we're spoiled enough, tbh) but just from the footy in general. I'm really hoping next season to be more successful at just sort of enjoying the games for what they are and being able to dial back on some of the emotional investment. Every now and then I lose sight and lose perspective and then need to take big steps to recalibrate. The South American clubs are my biggest draw for watching this tournament. This time of year I'd normally be watching Brazilian games anyway, but the league is on pause right now due to this tournament and there being four Brazilian clubs in it.
Franco was ok. Definitely a bit raw. But the club brought guys like him, Arda Endrick, Vini, and Fede to develop and eventually play big parts on the team, meaning years down the line. I'd like to be surprised but I'm not sure this guy will come and contribute to the team right now. I could be wrong though and he makes that RW his by the time Xabi gets to him this season. Also saw some River fans complain online he is honing it in and his head is elsewhere because of the move.
If we were being real with ourselves we knew he was a project and would be playing an Endrick like role. Which is why it was so crazy to me people thought we were going to force Rodrygo out this summer to accommodate Franco.
1935041229563269582 is not a valid tweet id Possible XI vs Al Hilal: Courtois; Trent, Asencio, Huijsen, Fran García; Tchouaméni, Valverde; Güler, Bellingham, Vinicius; Rodrygo. @MarcA 1935082331158479125 is not a valid tweet id Xabi Alonso: "Rodrygo? I can tell you up to a point. I know what had happened. The end of the season wasn't easy for him. He took some time to reset. We've talked since day one, and I see him eager to contribute on the field and enjoy himself. We've talked about it, we've shared it, and now we have to put it into practice." 1935080634449543680 is not a valid tweet id Xabi Alonso: "Jude Bellingham's role? He can cover a lot of field. He is a midfielder, he likes to work with the ball. He is very dynamic. We need to find his correct role."