Real Madrid manager’s primary objective during the international break – report | OneFootball

Following a 3-1 win over Villarreal, Real Madrid are heading into the second international break of the season as league leaders, helped by Barcelona’s humiliating defeat to Sevilla.

However, Real Madrid’s recent euphoria has been overshadowed by concerns around Jude Bellingham and his place in the team.

The midfielder has not picked up a fresh injury, yet coach Xabi Alonso has decided to bench him in the last couple of matches.

This is largely due to concerns over the midfielder’s fitness, though many are wondering whether or not Xabi is once again trying to play fair to other players in the team.

Alonso’s objective during the international break

According to Mundo Deportivo, Alonso has no desire to bench Bellingham and the midfielder’s fitness levels remain the main reason why he was benched in the last two matches.

In fact, the report suggests that Alonso’s main objective heading into the international break is to try and recover the form and fitness of Bellingham.

Fitness remains a concern for Bellingham. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)

Bellingham underwent shoulder surgery last July following the Club World Cup and returned to action sooner than expected.

After starting against Atletico, the player is now staying at Valdebebas, as he was not called up by Thomas Tuchel for England duty, allowing him to focus entirely on recovery work.

Over the break, Alonso and his staff have prepared a tailored training plan to restore Bellingham’s match fitness before the Clasico on October 26 at the Bernabeu. Alonso, though, has plans to start him against Getafe.

Alonso considers Bellingham vital to his midfield project, not in the advanced role he played last season, but as a deeper, more balanced midfielder.

For that, though, the Englishman needs to be at 100% physically, and that is exactly what Alonso is aiming for over the next two weeks.