Real Madrid touch down in Miami with high hopes for FIFA Club World Cup glory

With under three days to prepare for their FIFA Club World Cup debut against Al-Hilal on Wednesday, manager Xabi Alonso has stressed the urgency of gelling as a team, a process far more intense than a typical pre-season.

"We're gradually getting to know each other and building that essential connection, but we must speed up because training time is short," Alonso said to the press, delighted that Vinicius Junior, Andriy Lunin, and Arda Guler have finally joined the squad after international duties.

"We need to forge a team. We have three sessions before our opening match, and we're brimming with enthusiasm and ambition to perform well and go all the way," the Spaniard added, radiating confidence in delivering early success following his recent appointment as manager.

"We're embarking on a new era, and we must prioritise what matters most and how we want to play. Our aim is to showcase that from the first game, starting with understanding ourselves," he concluded, hinting at the stylistic overhaul he's already instilling in the players.

READ MORE: Diego Simeone laments Atletico Madrid's FIFA Club World Cup rout by PSG