Why World Club Title Will Spur Real Madrid Push for La Liga, Champions League

It has been a good 2014 for Real Madrid, with the side finally claiming La Decima and then the Club World Cup.

Manager Carlo Ancelotti has continually illustrated his ability to adapt to any problems he has encountered.

Whether it is injuries or personnel changes or even dealing with egos, the Italian has taken it all in his stride.

Ancelotti is the ultimate pragmatist and an example that coaches don't necessarily have to display complete control of a club.

Los Blancos head into the winter break top of the league, while they also have a game in hand over second-placed Barcelona.

"They are on course to become one of the best with their record," admitted defeated San Lorenzo coach Edgardo Bauza in his press conference, per Marca:

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I told Ancelotti he has struck the right balance, which is not easy because they have some of the best forwards in the world and he's got them all defending. It is a credit to him and that makes them a very dangerous team that will continue to break records, I have no doubt.

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With 22 wins in a row, it would be understandable if some of the squad became a little complacent.

However, there appears to be no sign of this taking place, and the team ethos is very much about continuing in the same manner.

Midfielder Toni Kroos told FIFA.com that he believes it's down to "the level of motivation that we dig out for every new challenge."

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We’re thirsty for wins and silverware. I’m talking domestically too, as Madrid have gone a couple of seasons without winning La Liga and so we’re certainly aiming to finish top of the pile this time. Of course, it’s logical that we’ll lose a game at some point, but the most important thing is to keep working hard and not get carried away.

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The German has been exceptional since he moved to the Bernabeu, as I explain here, while he's now a world champion for both club and country.

This is Real Madrid's 79th trophy, taking them ahead of arch-rivals Barcelona who have 78, via Marca.

The current squad are certainly determined to add to this figure, and they sense that this team can achieve even more.

"I was eager to play in the Club World Cup and win it," Gareth Bale told the press at the Grand Stade de Marrakech, per Marca.

"2014 is all but over, it's been an incredible year for us. Now we hope to continue winning silverware in the new year," the winger added.

The former Tottenham man has proved he's a player for the biggest stage as he scored yet another goal for Real Madrid in a final.

In 2014, he scored a superb solo effort in the Copa del Rey final, another to gave them the lead in extra time of the Champions League final and now in the Club World Cup final.

"The team of Ancelotti is a masterpiece," astute tactician Arrigo Sacchi told Mediaset, per AS.

Ancelotti now has the highest win percentage of any Real Madrid manager that has been in charge over 100 games, with a huge 79.5 percent.

The team is in fantastic shape to carry on this form, and they also have a coach who can find solutions to any dilemmas that they are confronted with along the way.

"We’re never over-confident; we do however have plenty of experience," President Florentino Perez told radio show El Larguero, per AS.

"Every rival wants to be that team who stops the run. We’re well motivated and the fans are delighted. The coach treats the players as if they were family. It’s a great time and I just hope that it lasts."

Real Madrid are clearly eager to add La Liga to their trophy cabinet, while they also have the capabilities of becoming the first team to defend the Champions League.