Madrid's Winter Window Dilemma: Alonso Promises Fire and Focus Ahead of Bilbao Clash
2 December 2025
Ahead of the Bilbao clash
Xabi Alonso, Real Madrid’s coach, says the team can rekindle their away form as they travel to San Mamés for a 19th‑round meeting with Athletic Bilbao.
Madrid have drawn their last three La Liga matches, surrendering top spot to their fierce rival Barcelona.
In the press conference, Alonso noted that San Mamés carries a special atmosphere—an arena that demands energy and momentum; he framed the game as a Spanish football classic in the making.
Key quotes and team updates
Alonso pointed out that Real Madrid miss the experience of Toni Kroos, who retired in 2024, adding that Kroos’ vast knowledge of the club and players remains invaluable. He stressed these are phases, and the key is how the team copes in the short term, including tomorrow’s match.
On Jude Bellingham’s recovery from injury, he said he follows the forward daily and sees him progressing well. The expectations are high, the responsibilities hefty, and the squad must help him stay happy and perform at his best.
Regarding winter transfers, Alonso said these questions aren’t his focus; the road ahead is long and there are many points to contest. In the near term, winning at San Mamés would be a hard but attainable objective.
Addressing doubts about his ability to lead Madrid, he remarked that the team must absorb the pressure and criticism, focusing on work and development to compete for everything by April or May. He also revealed positive talks with Florentino Pérez in recent discussions.
He added that Madrid have played some excellent football and others less so, but the aim remains to improve and push for consistency, a sense of fluidity, and collective belief as the season unfolds.
On the topic of Gonzalo García’s reduced playing time, Alonso highlighted the World Club Cup performance as outstanding, noting that Garcia’s minutes dip when teammates are fit, but he remains an intelligent and vital option for the squad.
He cautioned that the schedule is grueling for all teams, yet stressed that improvement is always possible and the team must stay steady in its rhythm and execution.
Concerning Ronald Araujo’s request for a mental‑health break after a disciplinary issue in a Chelsea match, Alonso said player welfare must come first; they are not machines, and decisions in the players’ interests are logical.
Regarding Rodrigo’s goal drought, he urged supporters to trust the player’s quality, noting that football can change with a single moment and that Rodrigo simply needs to feel good again.
Finally, Alonso expressed confidence in a strong squad capable of competing for everything, and praised Mbappé’s impact, noting he has been a big help since arriving in Madrid and that they will see how the season concludes.
Two light jokes to keep things warm: If Real Madrid’s transfer rumors were a calendar update, they’d always say “Soon.” And if patience were a tactic, Madrid would already have every trophy in the cabinet, just not always at the same time.
