Real Madrid’s president Florentino Pérez convened with the club’s board to evaluate the future of manager Xabi Alonso following the team’s 2-0 defeat to Celta Vigo at the Bernabéu, ESPN sources reported.
The board also discussed the team’s recent struggles ahead of a crucial Champions League match against Manchester City. The loss to Celta was viewed as a troubling regression, particularly after their 3-0 win against Athletic Club last Wednesday.
Sunday’s defeat leaves Madrid four points behind Barcelona at the top of LaLiga and significantly increases the pressure on Alonso, who has steered the team to just one victory in their last five league outings.
Inside the club, sources indicated that the board is weighing options for Alonso, with the upcoming match against City seen as a pivotal moment for the manager.
Names like Zinedine Zidane and Álvaro Arbeloa have surfaced as potential replacements for Alonso. Zidane has been out of coaching since his departure from Madrid, while Arbeloa is currently managing the Castilla team.
Additionally, the board expressed concerns about the squad’s management, particularly regarding the stalled contract renewal of Vinícius Júnior.
Concerns were also raised about the performances of players like Jude Bellingham and Fede Valverde.
Internally, there is a prevailing sense of guilt among players regarding their inability to grasp Alonso’s coaching methods, as reported by sources within the Real Madrid locker room.
Alonso’s leadership has been questioned, with some believing he has been too lenient towards the players in recent weeks.
The team has been notably lacking in veteran leadership due to the absence of key figures like Luka Modric, Lucas Vázquez, and now Dani Carvajal.
In a further blow, on Monday it was announced that defender Éder Militão is set to be out for at least three months due to a left leg injury.
The club confirmed that Militão was diagnosed with a rupture of the biceps femoris tendon. His recovery will be closely monitored, with reports suggesting a potential return in three to four months.
Militão suffered the injury during the first half of the Celta Vigo match.
The Brazilian international has faced multiple serious knee injuries in recent years and is the latest player to add to the long list of injuries troubling Alonso’s squad.
Rodrigo contributed to this report.