The match takes place Tuesday at Mercedes‑Benz Stadium
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Canales has recovered and will playRayados celebrate 80th birthday on SaturdayTorrent warns against underestimating DortmundFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱AFPWHAT HAPPENED?
Domènec Torrent, Monterrey’s coach, dismissed the idea that Tuesday’s Club World Cup Round of 16 match against Borussia Dortmund is the club’s most significant ever.
“Every game is important – I don’t know why people label this one ‘the most important.’ Monterrey is 80 years old; this isn’t our biggest match," he said. "Internationally, a win would obviously be big for our institution, for us as a new staff and the players, but I won't dare call it the most important in the club's history – I don’t know it all. We’re an ambitious, winning club, and it's a crucial match because the world is watching.”
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It may not be the most important match in Monterrey’s history in terms of sporting achievement, but there’s no doubt that tomorrow’s clash against Borussia Dortmund will be one of the most watched. With a quarterfinal spot on the line, the world’s eyes will be on like never before.
Earlier in the tournament, head coach Torrent downplayed the magnitude of joining a club like Monterrey, calling it a great step but not the biggest opportunity of his life. Now, he’s also rejecting the idea that this is the club’s most important game. While it’s clear he’s trying to ease the pressure on his players, the reality is simple: this is a massive opportunity for the club.
Getty Images SportWHAT DOMÈNEC TORRENT SAID
The Spanish coach also highlighted Dortmund’s strength, citing their recent UEFA Champions League final appearance, rejecting any notion that they’re the weakest remaining European side.
“No, absolutely not. It would be a mistake to consider Borussia Dortmund the weakest among the remaining European teams. They reached the Champions League final a year ago – others didn’t. It would be disrespectful to think that," he said.
Torrent emphasized the value of international competition and diversity in playing styles.
“Facing different football cultures is beautiful – the game becomes more studied, more analyzed, and individual qualities are decisive in many matches," he said.
Although this is Torrent’s first time as head coach in the Club World Cup, he’s no stranger to the tournament.
“It’s a privilege to be here as a head coach – I’ve been involved as an assistant three or four times before. But this time it’s different. We have a strong squad, we’re all pushing hard to perform well, and hopefully we’ll be back here many more times," he said.
Getty Images SportDEL PIERO MAKES SURPRISE PICK
In a FIFA-led segment, Alessandro del Piero expressed his confidence in Monterrey’s ability to overcome Borussia Dortmund.
“Monterrey boasts a well-rounded squad with international experience and a coach who reads games well. It won’t be easy, but if anyone can knock out Dortmund, it’s Monterrey," he said.
The 2006 World Cup winner also praised the recent rise of Mexican soccer.
“It’s no surprise. Mexican clubs have been competing at a high level for years. Monterrey has the pedigree, and if they maintain intensity, they can pull it off," he said.
When asked about the Italian legend’s forecast, Monterrey coach Torrent responded light-heartedly: “We’re not going to go thinking it’s magically true.”