Alonso: The Road Ahead Is Tough for Everyone, and We Must Support Bellingham

Real Madrid coach Xabi Alonso appeared at a press conference to discuss tomorrow's match against Athletic Bilbao, a fixture from the 19th round of the Spanish league.

The coach said: "It's a classic match in the Spanish league and Spanish football. The atmosphere at San Mamés is always fantastic, and we have to play with great energy and focus. We know how to handle it; we'll have our final training session and then travel to Bilbao."

He added: "We are talking about football, the locker room, and what we need to improve. It is a concern for both the players and the coaching staff. We are also focusing on how to break the streak of not winning away in the Spanish league. Tomorrow we have a good opportunity, and we will strive hard to seize it."

Regarding Bellingham's condition: "I see him doing well and enthusiastic. It's clear that he shares the feeling with all the players after not winning. The pressure and responsibility are immense. We all have to support each other, and we have to support Jude."

He continued: "Does the team miss a player like Kroos? Toni has extensive football experience and has lived through various stages of Real Madrid. He knows the club, the players, and the requirements well. These are phases, and the most important thing is how we deal with them. We must trust ourselves. I have complete confidence in the team, and in the short term, we have tomorrow's match."

Regarding the talk about the future of some players and the transfer market: "I focus on tomorrow, on preparing the team. The road is still long; more than a third of the season remains, and things are close. We still have a lot to accomplish. A lot can change. We face difficulties winning away from home, but we are capable of doing so tomorrow."

He added: "We are where we are now, both in the standings and in everything else. We are living under pressure. We focus on what we can change—that's what we think about. Real Madrid's style relies on playing football and the players giving their best effort. But some matches have not been successful. That's what we want to change. We are constantly evolving, making changes and adjustments. The situation is not fixed; it is developing."

Regarding the doubts about his future with the club: "I spoke with the president again, and he was in good spirits."

He continued discussing the decrease in players' pressing during matches: "The players understand what we want to do and how we can improve it. Without organization, achieving that is impossible, and of course, we have to work on it. Our performance has improved in the second half recently, which is why we've created more chances. But everything starts with conviction."

Regarding Gonzalo Garcia's reduced role: "He delivered an outstanding performance in the Workers' Cup for clubs. He may not play every minute he deserves, but he is very smart, knows his position, and is always ready."

He explained, "The road ahead is tough for everyone. Maintaining our full energy is difficult. But we must focus on stability and progress. This comes from a positive mindset. When the team is in good shape, their performance is better."

Regarding integrating Kylian Mbappé in the best possible way: "Mbappé has been playing in Madrid for a full season. You all know how he finished last year. His performance was excellent, but as I mentioned earlier, the goals cannot be Mbappé's responsibility alone; he contributes much more than that. Leadership and influence... a big part of the daily work. And that is extremely important."

He concluded regarding Araujo's exclusion from participating with Barcelona due to his mental state: "We have to respect the players; they are not machines. It is their responsibility, and if they made this decision for the sake of the young man's well-being, then in my opinion, it is reasonable."