The European future of Real Madrid in the Champions League is not at risk (currently 5th in the standings), but Spanish media reported that Xabi Alonso’s job was on the line following another defeat. After losing to Manchester City (1-2), the team faced a second consecutive loss at the Bernabéu, drawing attention to their head coach. Will Xabi Alonso be dismissed tonight? After the match, all the Real Madrid players who spoke to the media wanted to send a strong message of support for their coach, starting with defender Raul Asencio.
The Locker Room Supports Alonso
“This match has a bittersweet taste; we did many things well and showed a different version of ourselves. I believe we deserved more, but it’s the team that scores the most goals that wins, and they scored, so we need to improve. Every game is scrutinized, as always in Madrid. The locker room supports Xabi 100%. We know his message in the locker room, things are good at Valdebebas, but this is an unusual situation, and the players need to change their attitude. Today, we saw a change,” he stated, echoed by Rodrygo, whose embrace with his coach did not go unnoticed.
“This is also a tough moment for him. Things are not going well. We need to show people that we support our coach. A lot is being said. We need this unity to move forward,” added goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois. “We gave our all, and we’ve shown we are 100% behind the coach. It’s only natural that there are discussions. We are focused on winning; we fought until the last minute. The team’s spirit is good, but we didn’t win,” he said to Canal+, later adding on Movistar+: “We don’t see this match as a test; we want to win. We’ve dropped too many points in the league. We support the coach, we played well, and gave our best; it just wasn’t enough.”
“My Future? That’s Not My Concern”
Lastly, Jude Bellingham, who seemed quite frustrated on the field, also defended his coach when asked if the team was still fully behind Alonso. “100%. The coach has been fantastic. Personally, I have an excellent relationship with him, and I know many other players do as well. After a series of draws, we had really good internal discussions, and we felt like we had turned a corner, but the last two matches… No one is giving up or complaining. We accept the situation and keep fighting,” he said to TNT Sports.
It’s clear that while a crisis may be brewing in Madrid, Xabi Alonso does not appear to be on the brink of losing his job after this setback. Former Real Madrid legend Jorge Valdano suggests that the attitude shown by the team is a positive sign. “Madrid was superior to City in the first half; two errors cost them their lead, but Xabi managed the team well and fought until the end, which puts the coach in a good position,” he said. AS reported that Alonso would not be dismissed tonight. When asked about his future, he was rather curt, stating, “My future? That’s not my problem; I care about the next match for Real Madrid, that’s what matters.” Unless there’s a surprise, Xabi Alonso will be on the Real Madrid bench next weekend against Alavés.
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