Real Madrid manager Xabi Alonso is once again back into the thick of it this week, as his side host Real Betis at the Bernabeu. Los Blancos then travel to Saudi Arabia for the Spanish Supercup, where they will face Atletico Madrid in a derby clash in the semi-final, and potentially a final with Barcelona or Athletic Club. In all likelihood, there will be more than just the Supercup on the line.
Alonso survived heavy speculation over his position in the final week of games before the winter break, securing wins over Alaves, Talavera de la Reina and Sevilla. However the run of games coming up has been described as a continuance of the referendum on his future.
One of the things helping Alonso is that there are no clear alternatives. Zinedine Zidane has been ruled out of a third return, while Jurgen Klopp appears to be content with his new role at Red Bull. Those are the only two big names that have been linked with Los Blancos.