Alonso on the brink? Jude: ‘It‘s above us‘

Ahead of tonight‘s Spain Super Cup semi-final, talks about Xabi Alonso‘s future have intensified in the Spanish press. Real Madrid‘s form have stabilized in recent times, but it was mainly due to Kylian Mbappe‘s fantastic form and the weakness of the opponents. But in Saudi Arabia there is Atletico Madrid, an old enemy who thrashed Real at the beginning of the season (5-2) and if Xabi Alonso manages to pass by Cholo Simeone, in-form Barcelona waits in the final. Last season it was 5-2 for the Catalans. So, some Spanish journalists are openly suggesting that the upcoming games in Saudi Arabia will be crucial for Alonso‘s future in the dugout.

Since the format change, it's no longer just about winning another title; it's about making a statement of authority and boosting confidence for the entire season. For example, Real Madrid finished a year ahead of Barcelona in the standings and ended up losing first the Super Cup, then the Copa del Rey, and later La Liga to the Catalan team. This season they are already behind Barcelona in Spain. Further more, they will be without injured Kylian Mbappe. But Jude Bellingham is trying to be positive and feels that the rumors about Alonso are just an every day routine being in Real.

Vini’s complaint to Alonso: "Tell him he has to pass to me sometimes"

“In the dressing room, we're all united, the coaching staff and the players. Sometimes there are ups and downs, but we have to look at where we are now: in the Super Cup semi-finals, four points behind the league leaders, and among the top eight in the Champions League. Not a disaster, in my opinion. Being Real Madrid, everything gets blown out of proportion when things aren't going perfectly, but we want to improve. Those decisions are made far above my control. We're all behind the coach; there's no debate. He's very positive, a very positive influence, and we're working to improve. I get along very well with my teammates and with Vini Jr. If, for whatever reason, you see that things aren't going well, we sit down and talk. We're all fully behind the coach” said Bellingham.

SPANISH SUPER CUP

Wednesday

Barcelona - Ath.Bilbao 5-0 (4-0)

/Torres 22, Lopez 30, Bardghji 34, Raphinha 38, 52/

Thursday

22.00: (2.90) Atl.Madrid (3.65) Real Madrid (2.45)

***odds are subject to change***