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Torrent: We don't want to let this chance slip
- Monterrey are gearing up to face Borussia Dortmund in the last 16
- Mexican giants are the one remaining North American team at the finals
- Coach Domenec Torrent is wary that European teams are getting stronger
Juventus FC and Italy legend Alessandro del Piero has tipped CF Monterrey to beat Borussia Dortmund and book their place in the quarter-finals of the FIFA Club World Cup 2025™. Coach Domenec Torrent hopes his players haven't seen how the comments have blown up on social media.
“We really appreciate what Del Piero had to say, but hopefully none of our players heard it!" the Spaniard said. "I just want them to focus on fighting for every ball, right up until the final whistle. That's the only way we can compete.”
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Rayados have made it to the last 16 after surviving a tough group stage that included matches against FC Internazionale Milano, CA River Plate, and Urawa Red Diamonds. After holding both the Italian and Argentinian powerhouses to draws, their convincing victory on the final matchday over Urawa Reds secured their knockout berth.
“We need to remain calm and trust we are doing the right thing," Sergio Canales said. "The group matches lifted a weight off our shoulders, proving that we have what it takes and can hold our own against any team. By maintaining our composure and focusing on the small details, we can get through.
"The best teams, as far as I'm concerned, are those that are prepared for any type of match, We knew we had to get something out of the game against Inter in the group stage. At times we even thought we could win. The team is gaining momentum. The match against Urawa gave us confidence to take the initiative in the game, and we will be prepared to cause them problems.
“Teams from Germany are very solid and play at a high tempo, so we need to come into this game expecting a real battle. They've got some top-class players from midfield going forward who can cause you problems if you don't stay alert. We have to stay focused, be ready to support each other, and not allow them any chances.”
“We have to try to play like we did against Inter and River,” added striker German Berterame, who bagged a brace in the 4-0 win over the Japanese side. "The key is to play with intensity, keep our shape, take the game to them, match their work rate and be ruthless in front of goal.”
This will be Monterrey's second outing against a European team in the Club World Cup after they faced UEFA Champions League runners-up Inter in their opening match. While they earned a hard-fought draw that day, their coach believes this could be an even sterner test.
“We're expecting a highly competitive match, like the one against Inter," Torrent explained. "I get the feeling that the European teams are getting stronger as the days go by. However, I believe we have a chance, despite how challenging it will be to face Borussia Dortmund. We don't want to let this one slip away like we did in other matches. Saying that, it's not always easy to get the upper hand. We have to defend with eleven players behind the ball, and then be fearless in attack and command the game.
“As coaches, we can only tell them how we think they should play, but nothing is ever guaranteed. We visualise how the match will unfold, what tactics our opponents will use, and where our best chances will be. It is no secret that we are the underdogs, given their squad depth and budget. That said, we've done well over the last three games, changing our game plan and playing with a different mindset."
To bridge the gap, Torrent – who worked as Pep Guardiola's assistant at Barcelona, FC Bayern München and Manchester City – is sticking to a tried-and-tested formula.
“We need to work together as a team," he continued. "When it's our turn to defend, we all have to do our bit. If someone isn't willing to defend, I'll make a substitution. If they can't, I'll make another substitution. When you don't follow team instructions, you hurt the team. You can't lose focus against teams like this. If others are pressing, you can't let one player take a breather. I'm proud to say that my team did everything right against Inter, especially with their determination to fight for every ball. When we were struggling, we all suffered, even the 'talented' players, who seem to find defending more difficult. Everyone pulled together.
“We have to keep our finger on the pulse. We can't let them win 80 per cent of the individual duels. It's our job to minimise their chances because they are physically stronger, more powerful and faster than us. When we have possession, I want us to be confident. And when we have to sit back and defend, like we did against Inter, everyone is involved. In this type of match, when it's our turn to defend, everyone has to do their bit. If one player doesn't play their part, we're done for.”
