After the defeat to Man City, according to major Spanish news sites, the decision to part ways with Xabi Alonso has not been seriously considered by Real Madrid. However, that does not mean Xabi Alonso is safe. As after the loss to Celta Vigo last weekend, no source dares to confirm that he will be in office regardless of the result of the upcoming match against Alaves.
A defeat to Alaves is likely to make things collapse. In that context, Real Madrid's board, headed by President Florentino Perez, have begun to consider alternatives. The most mentioned name is Alvaro Arbeloa - a former Real player who is currently the youth coach.
It is worth mentioning that Perez and his team, despite concerns about the team's decline, do not consider Alonso as the only reason. They understand that changing the general at this time could cause serious damage to the entire long-term project. Therefore, Real Madrid still wants to keep Alonso on the condition that the competition results allow.
The 42-year-old took charge in May, succeeding Carlo Ancelotti. His start was quite impressive with 13 wins in 14 matches. However, since November 1, Real have won just two of their last eight games. This decline left Alonso and the coaching staff disappointed when they missed the opportunity to turn things around in the match against Man City, although positive signals began to appear in both their spirit and playing style.
Those close to Alonso admitted he is under heavy pressure both inside and outside the club. However, they also said that Xabi Alonso had expected this when he accepted to lead Real Madrid.
Inside the dressing room, the atmosphere was becoming tense but not to the point of being beyond saving. The players clearly understand that their current performance has not met requirements. A player shared with The Athletic that the whole team felt as if they were suffocated by the bad results but at the same time affirmed that everyone was trying their best and determined to return as soon as possible.
When Alonso was appointed, he brought absolute support from the club's leadership to tighten discipline. However, it is these new methods that have created a gap for a large number of players. That relationship has improved in recent weeks, although there is still a long way to go to complete harmony.
Many players have publicly spoken out to defend Alonso to the media in recent days. Although it partly has the color of protecting the image of the team, it also reflects the real effort to heal the relationship. Alonso has also proactively grants, reducing the number and duration of player analysis videos that players must watch, after receiving internal complaints. He even gave the whole team a 2-day break after the 3-0 victory over Athletic Bilbao last week.
Another player confided that his relationship with Alonso is getting better and that it will only take time for everything to run as smoothly as possible. This person also affirmed that Real is completely capable of competing if they can show the same playing style as against Athletic Bilbao or Manchester City.
The reaction of fans at Santiago Bernabeu, which is considered the most strict stadium in the world, also reflects the current differentiation. After the loss to Celta Vigo, the Bernabeu stands were engulfed in anger. However, in the match against Man City, the atmosphere was less tense despite the continued whining. The player most targeted is Vinicius Jr, who has been continuously criticized for his poor form. The 25-year-old striker is in the spotlight after telling Perez at the end of October that he did not want to extend his contract (enduring until 2027) as long as his relationship with Alonso was still tense.
Looking ahead, Real Madrid are entering an unpredictable situation. They are preparing to travel to Alaves in a state of serious shortage of players with 8 injuries, 3 players suspended and Kylian Mbappe's physical condition is still uncertain. A source in the team commented that everyone is fighting for their survival, the whole team understands that they are wearing the Real Madrid shirt and cannot lose so much.
Xabi Alonso's future is hanging. A victory could give him more time, but just one more slip, everything will most likely end quickly. In the context of Real Madrid always setting sky-high standards, each match at this time is like a final for Alonso's own seat.
