Perez's Nod to Alonso Sparks a December Reset for Real Madrid

December Showdowns and the Super Cup Bet

Real Madrid coach Xabi Alonso has clear backing from president Florentino Pérez, despite the club's recent stumbles.

He plans to use December's fixtures and the Super Cup to steer Real Madrid back on track after a disappointing start to the season.

Madrid visit Athletic Bilbao on Wednesday at San Mamés, in a La Liga match that follows three consecutive draws and has seen Barcelona snatch the league lead.

According to AS, the club's board continues to trust Alonso as the team undergoes critical assessments ahead of the decisive stretch of the season.

AS notes that tests and evaluations are part of the club's measured approach, with decisions based on thorough analysis rather than reactiveness, and that December and early January pose a major challenge to regain balance.

The piece recalls Carlo Ancelotti's tough moments last season, the Super Cup and a heavy loss to Barcelona, and highlights Endrick's influence in preventing a potential doom; the narrative emphasizes that the coaching seat is never truly safe.

It adds that last year the team appeared out of control after returning from Saudi Arabia, but there remains faith in Alonso's work, with January and future meetings shaping the trajectory.

Concluding: Alonso stressed the active backing from Pérez during a pre-trip press conference ahead of the journey to San Mamés, acknowledging the urgent need for the team to respond, especially with the January fixtures and the derby against Atlético Madrid looming.

Punchline: If December becomes a turnaround, the calendar will finally admit it has a sense of humor.

Punchline: If Alonso nails this, Real Madrid's trophy cabinet may need a bigger shelf — and a coffee machine to cope with all the celebrations.