Carvajal talks Alonso, Ancelotti, Huijsen, Alexander-Arnold, Club World Cup | OneFootball

Real Madrid veteran Dani Carvajal has addressed several major talking points surrounding the club as the team prepares for the upcoming Club World Cup.

Recovering from a serious injury, the right-back remains optimistic about returning to the squad in time for the tournament and is ready to compete, even with the looming arrival of Trent Alexander-Arnold.

Carvajal, who has been part of Real Madrid for over a decade, spoke with determination about his fitness:

“I feel very good and I’m getting in shape. In the coming weeks, I’ll continue training and travel to the Club World Cup. Then I’ll start being with the team and assess when I can compete.”

Despite a season where Real Madrid failed to win La Liga, the Champions League, or the Copa del Rey, Carvajal is not short of motivation.

“We still have this last title left, and we’ll go for it with everything we have,” he said. “Real Madrid is what its history is. We’ll try to win it all again.”

On TAA and Alonso

Trent Alexander-Arnold is set to join Real Madrid. (Photo by Carl Recine/Getty Images)

The focus then turned to his future competition, Liverpool star Trent Alexander-Arnold, who is set to be the club’s new signing. While nothing has been made official, Carvajal is taking the speculation in stride:

“Fear? We don’t talk about fear here. We will be teammates. Competition improves both of us and brings out the best in each of us.”

The Spanish defender also gave his thoughts on Xabi Alonso, the favourite to succeed Carlo Ancelotti as Real Madrid’s next head coach. Having shared the pitch with Alonso in his early days, Carvajal showed support for the possible appointment:

“He knows the club better than anyone. He’s been a player and defended the badge for many years. That’s a big plus for becoming a coach.

“Xabi is coming off two fantastic seasons with Bayer Leverkusen. Time will tell if he’s the right man to turn things around, but I think he’s going to do very well.”

On Ancelotti and Huijsen

Carvajal expressed his regrets over Ancelotti’s exit. (Photo by Michael Steele/Getty Images)

Still, Carvajal couldn’t hide his sadness at Ancelotti’s departure, a manager who has guided him throughout the highs and lows of his career.

“I’m very sad about Carlo’s departure. I’ve been with him in both his stints, and we’ve won everything together. For me, he’s like a footballing father,” Carvajal confessed.

“I hope next Saturday the manager will get the farewell he deserves as the most successful coach in Real Madrid history.”

In addition, the Spanish international spoke briefly about Dean Huijsen, Real Madrid’s newest signing, who is viewed as a promising talent for the future. “We haven’t spoken yet. He is a great signing and a good player. We welcome him, and he will help us a lot.”

Source: Mundo Deportivo