Real Madrid are standing by head coach Xabi Alonso, at least for now, after a second straight home defeat deepened uncertainty around his future at the Santiago Bernabéu.
The club’s 2-1 Champions League loss to Manchester City on Wednesday came just three days after a shock defeat to Celta Vigo in La Liga, leaving Madrid with only one win in their last five league matches. The run has raised internal concerns, with senior figures holding discussions earlier in the week about the team’s slide.
Despite the pressure, senior club sources have indicated they are not treating the City defeat as a trigger for immediate dismissal. According to reporting from Germany, Alonso will remain in charge for Sunday’s La Liga match against Alavés, a fixture that could leave Madrid seven points behind Barcelona if results go against them.
Alonso faced whistles from parts of the Bernabéu crowd after Wednesday’s loss but said he understood the reaction. “When you don’t win, that can happen,” he said. He also defended the squad’s effort, pointing to a long injury list that has sidelined several first-team players, including Kylian Mbappé.
Madrid began the season strongly but have struggled since a Champions League defeat at Liverpool in November. Draws with Rayo Vallecano, Elche and Girona, followed by the Celta loss, have shifted attention to Alonso’s management style and the form of key players.
Inside the dressing room, players publicly backed the coach. Jude Bellingham said the squad was “100 percent” behind him, while goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois insisted the City match was not viewed as a make-or-break test. Rodrygo, who ended a long goal drought on Wednesday, ran to Alonso to celebrate, saying it was a show of unity.
Even so, internal pressure remains. Reports in Spain earlier claimed Alonso was at risk of being dismissed if Madrid lost to City, with former managers Zinedine Zidane and Jürgen Klopp mentioned as possible successors. Madrid’s hierarchy was encouraged by the team’s performance, but results will be decisive.
Sunday’s trip to Alavés now sits at the centre of Alonso’s fight to keep control of the job he took over last summer. With injuries, form issues and a restless fanbase adding to the strain, the next result may determine whether Madrid’s show of support lasts beyond the weekend.
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