Former Real Madrid coach discusses Alonso’s delicate situation – ‘Always a chain of consequences…’ | OneFootball

Real Madrid find themselves in a very delicate situation, with three consecutive setbacks away from home against Liverpool (1-0), Rayo Vallecano (0-0),and Elche (2-2).

Given the results and lackadaisical performances that led to them, criticism of Xabi Alonso has intensified.

As such, tonight’s UEFA Champions League clash against Olympiacos becomes extremely crucial for Alonso and Los Blancos.

If they do not win, it will be the fourth consecutive match without a victory, and if they lose, they will risk their chances of securing a top-eight finish in the Champions League.

Jorge Valdano sympathises with Alonso

If there is someone who understands what happens behind the scenes at the club, it is Jorge Valdano. He has been a player, coach, sporting director, and general director at Real Madrid.

And, ahead of the Olympiacos match, Valdano spoke on Movistar+ (h/t Mundo Deportivo), addressing the situation that Alonso finds himself in at the club.

“Welcome to Real Madrid. If you make a lot of changes, you’re a revolutionary. If you don’t make changes, you’re a reactionary. This club is very uncomfortable. It doesn’t take defeat and draws very well,” he said, referring to Alonso.

Under pressure. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)

Valdano then analysed the three-man defensive system that the Real Madrid manager used against Elche, hinting that the players he has might not be the right fit.

“Xabi Alonso’s formation against Elche is a familiar one, which he used regularly at Bayer Leverkusen. But formations without names are absolutely useless. As César Luis Menotti said, they’re just phone numbers,” said the former coach.

Further explaining, Valdano added: “Xabi Alonso has not yet found players in midfield who can bring composure and fluidity to the team, and I think that hurts them at both ends of the pitch.”

Valdano also detailed how moving Arda Guler into a deeper role had hurt Real Madrid in the final third of the pitch, as he said:

“Arda Guler, who has earned praise this season because he has consistently shown that he is really good, is now condemned to playing a few metres further back. And that disconnects him from Mbappe.”

Concluding, Valdano added: “There is always a chain of consequences that prevents the team from settling down.

“That, and everything surrounding the club and Xabi Alonso, which from the outside gives the impression that it is frankly uncomfortable to play under this pressure.”