This article was originally published on www.si.com as Xabi Alonso Fires Kylian Mbappe Rallying Cry After Real Madrid Return. Real Madrid coach Xabi Alonso warned that Kylian Mbappé is only “getting better” as the Spanish giants advance through the Club World Cup knockout stages.

The Xabi Alonso era at Real Madrid is off to uneven start, but there are still lessons to be learned from his first three games in charge at the Club World Cup.

Since replacing Carlo Ancelotti as Real Madrid manager late last month, Xabi Alonso has repeatedly stressed the importance of time on the training ground to implement new ideas. The 43-year-old Spaniard only had time for a handful of sessions at Madrid’s Valdebebas training ground before leaving for the Club World Cup,