The Santiago Bernabeu is well known for hating any form of defeat. It was Real Madrid's second home defeat in a row. On Sunday night, Celta Vigo won 2
The Santiago Bernabeu is well known for hating any form of defeat. It was Real Madrid’s second home defeat in a row. On Sunday night, Celta Vigo won 2-0 to put the manager, Xabi Alonso, under pressure. The visit of Manchester City was expected to turn things around for the club, but the 2-1 defeat means Alonso is now on a knife-edge, where his future is seriously in doubt after just six months into his dream job.
Real Madrid competed though but it was not enough as Josko Gvardiol and Erling Haaland’s penalty helped the Citizens come from behind to silence the Santiago Bernabeu.
AS Marca’s journalist, Juan Castro sounded so bearish when speaking to the BBC about the future of Alonso and the atmosphere at Real Madrid after the defeat to Manchester City
“I am very pessimistic.
“It is true that it was not a ridiculous defeat because they competed, but another defeat at home, another defeat in a row.
“It is quite difficult for a coach to hold this. We will see what happens, but now the ambience in the Bernabeu is focusing on Xabi Alonso. That is the truth.
“We will see what is going on, but now I am 100% pessimistic,” Juan said.
Alonso’s reign has so far seen Kylian Mbappe performing so well, but the other stars’ performances are diminishing. English midfielder Jude Bellingham threw his support to the young Spanish manager, revealing that they are 100% behind him.
“We’re still trying to work it out within the changing room, regardless of what goes on outside. We know that’s not helpful.
One thing is how we’re managing games. Certain points where we have to suffer, it feels like we always concede, and it puts us on the back foot and makes us have to play a way we don’t want to.
“But in the changing room, we have what we need to turn it around. We need maybe a bit of luck or maybe something we need to discuss internally. I have faith this season isn’t over just because we’re in a bad run of form.”
Players behind the manager? “100%. The manager has been great. I personally have a great relationship with him and I know a lot of the boys do too.
“After that run of draws, we had some great conversations internally and felt we’d put that form behind us but the last couple of games. No one is downing tools, no one complaining or moaning. We take it on the chin and keep fighting.”
On scrutiny on him personally: “It’s just life. This is what I’ve signed up for. I play for the biggest club in the world and one of the most in the world. I don’t want pity, I’m living the dream. I role with the punches and the most important thing is that to me,” Bellingham said.
After the final whistle, Xabi Alonso walked straight to the tunnel, concern written all over him.
Fans expect Real Madrid to react after the defeat to Manchester City, and Alonso could be in trouble.
COMMENTS