Real Madrid got off to a red-hot start to life under Xabi Alonso. Los Blancos won 14 of their first 15 matches and once again looked like the force to be reckoned with in Europe. However, that hot start cooled off quickly.
Losses and loads of easy dropped points in November and December quickly brought the team's momentum to a halt, leading many to question what happened to Alonso and his men. And the answer was simple: fatigue and tiredness.
Madrid were playing sometimes two matches a week, and Alonso stuck to his guns, picking the same players every match, which led to many tired legs on the pitch in any given game. Thankfully for Los Blancos, the Christmas break came at just the right time, as Jude Bellingham himself confirmed.
Jude Bellingham finally says out loud what all Real Madrid fans have been thinking
While speaking with the media before Real Madrid's Spanish Supercup semi-final clash against Atletico, Bellingham explained how crucial the recent winter break was for the team and how it was the reset they needed. The Englishman said:
"We’re a lot more refreshed after the winter break.Jude Bellingham
We’re ready to fight for all titles and hopefully play better than we did at the first half of the season.
I think the Christmas break came at a good time for us. We’re feeling good."
This echoes much of what fans have been saying for weeks. During Madrid's dip in form in November and December, the players were visibly tired and in need of a break, having played so many games in such a short period. And that break more than refreshed the players, as evident by their 5-1 victory over Real Betis in their first game back from the break.
However, Madrid's biggest test after the break comes in their second game back, the Super Cup clash against Atletico Madrid. This game is reportedly a big test for what the future looks like for Xabi Alonso but despite that, Bellingham states that there should be no uncertainty and that Xabi Alonso has the full backing of the dressing room.
"We're gonna get Xabi fired if we lose tomorrow? That's not really up to us. I can only give my opinion from the dressing room, and I can tell you we're all with Xabi, we're all united behind him."Jude Bellingham
Los Blancos will no doubt be out for revenge against their rivals after the embarassing 5-2 loss earlier in the season. Alonso's side looked solid in their first game back from winter break while Atletico had to settle for a 1-1 draw with Real Sociedad, which could tilt the odds in favor of Los Blancos heading in.