The start of the new year brings familiar pressures for Xabi Alonso as Real Madrid‘s head coach. Following a brief respite during the Christmas break, the Basque manager finds himself under mounting scrutiny once again. The upcoming weeks are pivotal for Alonso, with January promising to be an intense month. Real Madrid is set to navigate three critical fixtures: a La Liga clash against Real Betis, a Supercopa de España semi-final against AtlĂ©tico Madrid, and potentially a final showdown against either FC Barcelona or Athletic Bilbao. Each match is not only vital for points but also for the team’s morale and performance.
As the squad returned to training at Valdebebas, it was evident that challenges abound. The team is currently grappling with a lack of available right-backs, which poses a significant tactical dilemma. Dani Carvajal is fighting to regain fitness ahead of the Supercopa, yet his physical condition remains uncertain. Meanwhile, Trent Alexander-Arnold‘s return is not expected until early February, leaving Alonso with limited options on the flanks. The recent performances against AlavĂ©s, Talavera, and Sevilla have highlighted Madrid’s struggles; although they secured victories, the displays were far from convincing.
Upcoming Matches: A Defining Moment
The first test in this crucial series comes on January 6 against Real Betis. Given the tight schedule, it’s unlikely that drastic decisions regarding team selection will be made between this match and the Supercopa clash. Following the encounter with Betis, the team will fly to Saudi Arabia for their semi-final on January 8. A successful outing against AtlĂ©tico could provide a much-needed boost and set up a final against either Barcelona or Athletic Bilbao.
Looking Ahead: Cup and League Aspirations
Should Real Madrid advance in the Supercopa, they will face one of Spain’s giants in the final—a match that could significantly affect their season’s trajectory. Additionally, they will soon turn their attention to the Copa del Rey round of 16, where their next opponent will be revealed on January 7. By the end of January, they will have two more La Liga fixtures along with two Champions League matches against AS Monaco.
With each passing game, Alonso must find a way to instill confidence in his players while addressing their physical limitations. Can he rally his squad to perform at their peak when it matters most? With so much at stake in January, all eyes will be on how Real Madrid navigates this challenging period.
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