Alonso’s Support for Bellingham Amid Recent Struggles
Xabi Alonso, the former Real Madrid and current manager, has made it clear that he is committed to helping Jude Bellingham, the England midfielder, regain his best form. Bellingham joined Real Madrid in a blockbuster £88 million deal from Borussia Dortmund in June 2023, and his first two seasons have been nothing short of spectacular. He was instrumental in Madrid’s La Liga and UEFA Champions League double in his debut year, earning him the La Liga Player of the Season and a spot in the La Liga Team of the Season for two consecutive years. However, the 20-year-old has faced some challenges this season, and Alonso is determined to ensure that Bellingham returns to his top form.
A Promising Start Followed by Hurdles
Despite his initial success, Bellingham’s form has come under scrutiny this season. Real Madrid currently sits second in the La Liga table, just a point behind arch-rivals Barcelona, but the team has drawn their last three matches. In contrast, Barcelona, along with league-chasing rivals Villarreal and Atletico Madrid, have all secured wins in their recent games. Madrid’s recent struggles have seen their early-season lead slip away, and they currently rank fifth in the Champions League table. A particularly notable setback was their recent loss to Liverpool at Anfield, where the team struggled to find their rhythm. Alonso acknowledged the pressure and the need to address these issues, emphasizing the importance of teamwork and support.
Addressing Bellingham’s Wellbeing
When questioned about Bellingham’s mental and emotional state, Alonso expressed his confidence in the young player. “I’m with him every day and I see him doing well,” Alonso said at a press conference. “He’s motivated, but like all the players and everyone on the team, he’s not happy after not winning. The demands here are high, and so is the responsibility, and Jude is part of that.” Alonso’s comments reflect a genuine desire to help Bellingham not only perform at his best but also to feel supported and motivated. The manager stressed the importance of mutual support within the team, highlighting that everyone is working together to help Jude excel.
Alonso’s Proven Track Record
Alonso, who played for Real Madrid from 2009 to 2014, is no stranger to the club’s high expectations. During his playing days, he won both the La Liga and the Champions League, and his return to the club as a manager has been highly anticipated. His reputation as one of the best young managers in the world was solidified during his time at Bayer Leverkusen, where he led the team to an unbeaten Bundesliga title and the DFB Pokal. The only blemish on their perfect record was a loss in the UEFA Europa League final to Atalanta, where Ademola Lookman scored a hat-trick. Alonso’s experience and track record suggest that he has the skills and insight to guide Bellingham through his current challenges.
Maintaining High Standards
Despite the recent setbacks, Alonso remains optimistic about the team’s potential. “We’re playing football, and we always try to do our best,” he said. “This team, these players have always tried to give their all, and there have been good matches as well as matches that weren’t as good. We haven’t been able to win the last few. We’ve lacked consistency. The challenge is to raise our level for the next match.” Alonso’s comments underscore the team’s commitment to excellence and the manager’s belief in their ability to bounce back. He is focused on improving consistency and ensuring that the team returns to their winning ways.
Looking Ahead to the Next Match
Real Madrid will face Athletic Club on Wednesday, and Alonso is determined to see the team perform at their best. He emphasized the importance of effort and the need for the team to raise their level. “We have to help each other and help Jude so that he is happy and performing at his best,” Alonso reiterated. The manager’s approach is rooted in a belief in the team’s potential and a commitment to supporting his players, especially in challenging times. As Real Madrid prepares for their upcoming match, the focus is on regaining the form that has made them one of the most dominant teams in world football.
