Real Madrid faces the end of the year with encouraging news on the sporting front. Xabi Alonso confirmed that Eder Militao, Antonio Rudiger, and the young Argentine Franco Mastantuono are ready to return to the squad for the visit to Girona. The reopening of defensive options and the addition of emerging talent come at a key moment, as the team tries to regain the top spot in LaLiga. Get 20% off UEFA Champions League broadcasts in Spanish on DAZN. The manager explained that not all the injured players have been able to rejoin the group. Dean Huijsen remains sidelined, and Raul Asencio is still doubtful. "We hope Asencio can be included in the squad, Dean not yet, we hope he'll be ready for the match against Athletic," Alonso explained during his press conference at Valdebebas. A dressing room that stands up for itself and a message to Laporta. In recent weeks, various rumors pointed to a rift between the players and the coaching staff. However, Xabi Alonso insisted that the internal atmosphere has always been solid, and highlighted the public support that several players have shown him on social media and in the press. “I have always felt that the team is united and that we all know what the objective is: to reach the end with a chance of winning everything. We are together in the good times and in the not-so-good times. We have a good connection on a daily basis. Despite everything that is said and what some might want, we are very solid internally,” he emphasized. The coach also responded to the statements of Joan Laporta, who questioned Real Madrid's goals against Elche. Xabi's stance was direct. “There are populist messages, aimed at his supporters; let's focus on our own game, winning in a sporting and deserved way; every match is a test for that,” he stated. Beyond the controversies, Alonso acknowledged that his team is still looking for a completely convincing performance this season. “We’ve had some good spells of play, we need that dominance, control, continuity, consistency… I’m not happy with some things,“Especially with the goals conceded in recent matches; we're a work in progress. We're missing a complete performance, but I'm sure it will come soon,” he confessed. The return of Ferland Mendy was also a topic of conversation. The manager highlighted his immediate impact after making his debut this season. “He left a good impression on me. It's the first match we've played with him. We didn't know what level of competition he'd be at, and he did very well. He's a great defender and gives you a lot of security at the back. To come back and feel like this is great news,” he praised.