Valdebebas, SPAIN — On Tuesday, Xabi Alonso reaffirmed that he has the backing of his players and expressed confidence regarding speculation over the security of his position, as Real Madrid gets ready to face Manchester City in the Champions League.
Heading into the City match, Madrid has managed to secure only one victory in their last five LaLiga outings, including a disappointing 2-0 defeat to Celta Vigo at the Bernabéu on Sunday.
On Monday, ESPN reported that Madrid president Florentino Pérez had a meeting with the Madrid board to discuss Alonso’s future following the defeat, expressing concerns regarding his management and the performance of several key players.
When asked if he felt supported by his squad, Alonso simply replied, “Yes,” during a news conference on Tuesday.
“The team is united, and everyone believes we can win tomorrow,” he stated when discussing the upcoming match against City. “No one has doubts. However, we must play with good rhythm, intensity, and competitiveness.”
Later on, midfielder Aurélien Tchouaméni emphasized that the team’s recent struggles—including a 1-0 loss to Liverpool and draws against Rayo Vallecano, Elche, and Girona before the Celta loss—should not fall on Alonso.
“In the game against Vigo, the coach had a solid game plan,” Tchouaméni commented. “At the end of the day, it’s on us as players. If we perform at our best, we have a higher chance of winning. Losing 2-0 points to an issue with our intensity on the pitch, not the coach’s fault.”
Real Madrid’s current struggles mean they sit four points behind Barcelona at the top of LaLiga, despite having claimed victory over their rivals in the October Clásico.
According to ESPN reports on Monday, prominent candidates to replace Alonso include Zinedine Zidane and reserve-team coach Álvaro Arbeloa.
“As the coach of Real Madrid, you must remain calm when facing such situations,” Alonso remarked regarding the job speculation. “That’s how I feel now. I’m looking forward to what comes next, starting with tomorrow’s match against City. After the anger from the Celta defeat, which is natural, we are now focused on the Champions League. Things in football can turn around quickly.”
Sources have informed ESPN that Alonso’s ability to manage the dressing room is currently facing scrutiny from club executives.
“It’s not about change, but rather about adapting,” Alonso stated when discussing his transition to the role last summer from Bayer Leverkusen. “I understand the culture at Real Madrid; that’s what makes it the greatest job in the world. You need to adapt and learn. There is a process, and it involves interaction with the players. Some days are good, others are less so.”
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Tchouaméni emphasized the team’s need for improvement.
“To win games, we must play with maximum intensity,” the France international stated. “We have to realize that to secure victories, we need to give our all. We didn’t do that against Celta, and we must tomorrow.”
Alonso also mentioned he had no regrets about his controversial decision to substitute Vinícius Júnior during the Clásico, which drew a negative response from the player. He explained, “What I observe on the pitch leads me to make the decisions I believe are right,” and expressed a willingness to consider a future in the Premier League.
“Currently, this is my position; this is where I want to be. In the future, who knows what may happen?” Alonso concluded.