Xabi Alonso’s Mission to Regain Momentum
Xabi Alonso is set to travel to Bilbao with the Real Madrid squad this afternoon, aiming to break the team’s unsettling streak of three consecutive draws in La Liga. These results have seen them slip behind FC Barcelona in the standings, placing added pressure on the coach’s position at the helm of Bernabéu.
Confidence in the Squad
Despite the recent setbacks, Alonso expressed confidence in his squad’s capabilities. “We have a sufficiently broad and talented squad to compete,” he stated. Acknowledging the struggles of November, he emphasized his belief in the team’s quality and character to turn results around. He also revealed ongoing discussions with club president Florentino Pérez, noting, “The conversations have been positive and in good spirits. We talked about reversing the results.”
Facing Pressure and Criticism
Alonso remains focused, choosing not to dwell on the potential risks to his position. “I’m only focused on the game tomorrow,” he remarked when asked about the pressure of being let go if results don’t improve. “We live with criticism and expectation; that’s inherent to the club. We must concentrate on what we can do: improve, win, and be where we want to be in April and May.” He also highlighted recent discussions with his players in Athens, indicating that they addressed improving consistency on the pitch.
Jude Bellingham and Team Dynamics
A central figure during the press conference was Jude Bellingham. Alonso noted, “He feels well and shares the sentiment that after failing to win, one can’t feel satisfied. The demand and responsibility are at the highest level.” The coach stressed the importance of supporting Bellingham to ensure he remains happy and at his best.
Alonso also mentioned the evolving dynamics between Bellingham and Arda Güler, noting that their on-field synergy had changed in recent weeks. “After the matches against Barcelona and Valencia, the overall quality of play has dipped,” he explained, reinforcing his confidence that both players can find a way to work together again.
Key Focus: Organizational Play
When discussing the team’s tactical issues, Alonso pinpointed “organization” as the core challenge. He articulated, “Without it, everything falls apart. It all starts with conviction and maintaining defensive control. If you don’t defend well, you won’t attack well, and vice versa.” He acknowledged the difficulty of maintaining energy levels with the current hectic schedule but remains optimistic about the potential for improvement. “We can enhance our pressure, our returns, and strive for more consistency,” he asserted.
Injury Concerns: A Setback with Mendy
In more troubling news, Ferland Mendy suffered another injury setback. The left-back, who recently returned from a long layoff in the match against Olympiacos, has sustained a muscle injury in his right hamstring and will be sidelined until early January. This injury adds to Alonso’s challenges as he seeks to stabilize his squad moving forward.