Courtois Acknowledges Ups And Downs With Alonso After Madrid’s Much-Needed Win

Real Madrid finally hit the reset button at San Mames, ending a frustrating three-match winless streak away from home with a confident 3-0 victory over Athletic Club. But beyond the scoreline, what caught attention was Thibaut Courtois’ candid admission that the squad’s relationship with manager Xabi Alonso has seen “better or worse moments”.

The Belgian goalkeeper—who made a crucial save at 1-0 to keep the momentum alive—praised the team’s response while subtly hinting at the internal pressures the club has faced in recent weeks.

It was a victory Madrid needed, not just for points, but for peace.

Madrid Break Slump With Their “Most Complete Display”

Xabi Alonso described the performance as Real Madrid’s best of the season, and it’s hard to argue:

• Controlled tempo

• Improved pressing

• Better defensive organisation

• Sharper transitions

After three disappointing league draws, Los Blancos finally rediscovered the level expected from a title-chasing squad.

Courtois admitted that the team’s drop in intensity—especially during the sluggish outing against Girona—was unacceptable. “If you don’t play at 100%, you can easily be beaten,” he said.

But the win didn’t come without a price.

Both Eduardo Camavinga and Trent Alexander-Arnold picked up injuries—adding to Madrid’s already overloaded medical room.

Courtois Clears The Air: “We’re Always Close To Him”

With rumours swirling about a fractured dressing room, Courtois made a deliberate effort to calm the noise.

Speaking to Spanish media, he clarified:

• There’s no major conflict between Alonso and the squad

• Tension is normal in football

• External speculation exaggerated the situation

His exact words:
“In relationships, there are always better or worse moments… On the outside, there’s always noise, but internally, we don’t notice it.”

It was a subtle but important message—Madrid might not be perfect, but the dressing room isn’t in flames either.

Reports Still Suggest A Dressing-Room Divide

Despite Courtois’ reassurance, the wider narrative remains tense.

Several reports have pointed to:

• Confusion over Alonso’s tactics

• Inconsistent roles for senior players

• Friction with big personalities

• Vinicius Jr.’s public frustration and contract hesitation

Madrid’s tactical experiments early in the season didn’t help, especially after the heavy defeat to Atletico Madrid and a dip in intensity throughout November.

The victory at San Mames may have paused the noise, but it hasn’t silenced it.

Madrid’s Turning Point… Or Temporary Relief?

There’s no question Madrid needed this win.
But one performance doesn’t erase the concerns:

• Inconsistent pressing

• Overreliance on individual brilliance

• Mounting injuries

• Internal pressure on Alonso’s project

The 3-0 win buys time—but the spotlight stays on.

If Real Madrid want to regain control of the title race and calm the storm around Alonso, they’ll need consistency, not just moments.

Want To Advertise With Us?

📩 Contact: sales@ventolitemarketing.com

Sports Market International — Where The Best Sport Blog Meets The Sports Market’s Biggest Stories.

Trent Alexander-Arnold Set For Two Months Out After Latest Injury Blow

Real Madrid have confirmed that Trent Alexander-Arnold has suffered a rectus femoris injury in his left thigh, adding yet another setback to what has been a turbulent debut season in Spain. The 27-year-old lasted barely ten minutes after the restart against Athletic Club before limping off—an image that now defines Madrid’s growing injury crisis.

This injury is expected to keep him out for around two months, a huge blow for Los Blancos at a time when consistency and defensive stability are desperately needed.

A Promising Night Cut Short

Before the injury struck, Alexander-Arnold had delivered his first La Liga assist, showing glimpses of the attacking brilliance Madrid signed him for. But just as he appeared to be settling into rhythm, disaster hit again.

Real Madrid’s medical tests confirmed the muscular damage, marking his second major injury spell this season. Earlier, he missed six weeks with a hamstring strain, and Spanish media have been questioning whether he has fully adapted to Madrid’s intensity.

Just when Madrid needed continuity, they’re right back to patchwork solutions.

Madrid’s Right-Back Problem Just Got Worse

With Dani Carvajal already out until 2026, Alexander-Arnold’s absence leaves Xabi Alonso with no natural senior right-back available. That means another round of improvisation:

• Federico Valverde, a midfielder by trade

• Raul Asencio, a developing squad option

Both players can fill in, but neither offers the natural defensive profile Madrid require—especially during a jam-packed winter schedule featuring La Liga battles, European fixtures, and the Spanish Super Cup.

The more Valverde is forced into defensive duties, the less influence he can provide in midfield—a trade-off Alonso would rather avoid.

A Recovery That Needs Patience And Precision

The rectus femoris injury is particularly tricky for players who rely heavily on acceleration, long-range passing, and overlapping runs—three staples of Alexander-Arnold’s game. With his earlier hamstring problem still fresh, Madrid are expected to be extremely cautious.

Rushing him back could risk an even longer spell on the sidelines, something both club and player desperately want to avoid.

For now, his debut season at the Santiago Bernabeu remains disrupted, inconsistent, and full of unanswered questions. Madrid need him, but they need him fully fit—not half ready.

What This Means For Real Madrid

Real Madrid now face:

• A thin defensive line

• A congested fixture schedule

• Tactical compromises

• Increased squad pressure

Xabi Alonso must find balance, stability, and results… without his two senior right-backs. It’s a huge test of depth and adaptability—one that could shape Madrid’s season.

Want To Advertise With Us?

📩 Contact: sales@ventolitemarketing.com

Sports Market International — Still The Best Sport Blog For Fans, Analysts, And The Sports Market Community.

Jude Bellingham is once again the centre of England’s hottest debate — but this time, it’s not about his talent. It’s about respect, relationship, and World Cup readiness.

As the Three Lions prepare for the 2026 FIFA World Cup group-stage draw, former Manchester United defender Wes Brown has compared Bellingham’s relationship with England boss Thomas Tuchel to one of football’s most famous and fiery partnerships: Roy Keane and Sir Alex Ferguson.

A Relationship Under Scrutiny

Bellingham missed October’s fixtures while recovering from shoulder surgery, and even after returning to action for Real Madrid, Tuchel surprisingly left him out of England’s squad.

He eventually returned in November, and despite England completing qualification flawlessly, talk surfaced again after a 2-0 win over Albania — particularly around Bellingham’s temperament and attitude.

Tuchel has been firm: he wants harmony in camp, and players who disrupt that won’t make the plane to North America.

This led many to question whether England’s brightest star could actually be dropped.

Wes Brown: “It’s All About Respect.”

Speaking with GOAL via BetWright Casino, Brown didn’t shy away from the topic.

He said the situation reminds him of the dynamic between Keane and Ferguson — two strong personalities who didn’t always get along, but always respected each other’s roles in winning.

“You still need respect between the manager and the player. We all know how good Jude is… but the respect levels have to be right. At any football club, when two people don’t get on, you find a way to work it out.”

Brown believes the same applies here. Tuchel knows he needs Bellingham. Bellingham knows he’s a key figure. The middle ground is simple: mutual respect.

Danny Murphy: “The Talk Around His Character Is Strange.”

Former England midfielder Danny Murphy dismissed the negative narratives surrounding Bellingham.

He told GOAL:

“If you had 11 Jude Bellinghams, you’d win most tournaments.”

Murphy highlighted the midfielder’s leadership, intensity, passion, and clutch performances as evidence that his so-called “arrogance” is simply the mentality required to dominate at the highest level.

He added:

“We should be building him up, applauding him, and being thankful we have him — not trying to pull him down.”

Too Good To Leave Out

Despite debates about personality clashes or non-football behaviour, one thing remains certain:

England’s chances of winning the World Cup dramatically increase if Jude Bellingham is on the pitch.

He’s the game-changer, the spark, the one who drags the team forward when things get tough.

And like Keane and Ferguson, even imperfect relationships can win trophies — as long as the respect is right.

Want To Advertise With Us?
Email: sales@ventolitemarketing.com