Real Madrid: Xabi Alonso under pressure, all to play for vs City | OneFootball

The atmosphere in Madrid is tense after the home defeat against Celta, a result that has amplified doubts and discontent surrounding Xabi Alonso’s position on the bench.

Real Madrid, Xabi Alonso at risk of being sacked, the clash with City will decide his future

Real Madrid, Xabi Alonso under pressure: the club seeks answers and everything is at stake against City

The Spanish coach, called upon to lead an ambitious Real Madrid built to win, now finds himself facing one of the first major crises of his tenure. The match against Manchester City represents much more than a European test: it could be the decisive crossroads for his future.

Pressure, criticism, and responsibility: the most delicate moment

The defeat at the Bernabeu made waves and ignited a media debate about the coach’s work. Alonso, however, maintains a steady and controlled demeanor, fully aware of the dynamics that come with such a prestigious and demanding role.

“When you are the coach of Real Madrid, you have to be ready to face these situations with calm and responsibility,” he declared at a press conference. Words that reveal clarity and a mature handling of pressure, but at the same time confirm his awareness of the precariousness of the moment.

The coach reiterated that the defeat to Celta is behind them: “Celta is in the past and today it’s all about City. In football, things can change quickly.”

The pitch as the only answer: total focus on Manchester City

Rumors of a possible dismissal do not distract him. Alonso is clear, direct, and determined to keep his focus solely on the match that could relaunch Real or open up unexpected scenarios.

“My focus is on the pitch, on City. I am concentrated on that,” he said firmly.

The coach also emphasizes how the team is mentally ready to face a top-level challenge, aware that intensity, rhythm, and precision will be needed to overcome Guardiola’s side.

The locker room question: a clear and unequivocal answer

In difficult moments, one of the most recurring questions concerns the support of the players. When asked if the locker room is still with him, Alonso replied without hesitation: “Yes.”

A dry, strong, and meaningful yes, intended to immediately quash any narrative of internal division. Real Madrid, the coach insists, remains united and confident in its abilities: “The team is united and convinced we can win tomorrow.”

Between present and future: the night that could define a season

Real Madrid–Manchester City thus becomes a match with double significance: both technical and symbolic. For Alonso, it represents the chance to overturn a difficult moment and reaffirm his leadership; for the club, a test to measure mental strength and European ambitions.

Tension is rising at the Bernabeu, but so is the awareness that, in elite football, certain challenges define seasons and, at times, careers. Xabi Alonso approaches the match with the calm of someone who knows he is on the edge, but also with the determination of someone who wants to prove he deserves his place on the bench.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇮🇹 here.