🎙️ Xabi Alonso: I feel I've got the full backing of the squad | OneFootball

Xabi Alonso appeared before the media ahead of the Champions League match against Manchester City. He did so by appealing to the unity of the locker room after the painful defeat against Celta. 

"Yes," the Real Madrid coach responded unequivocally when asked if he feels he has the support of the entire squad. "Communication with the club is constant, based on trust and affection," he added.

Alonso considers tomorrow's game "a big match" and "a good opportunity to continue progressing in the Champions League."

Alonso was asked about a possible dismissal and the names that have emerged in recent hours as candidates to replace him (Zidane, Klopp), but the coach did not want to enter the debate. "When you are the coach of Madrid, you have to be prepared to face these situations with calm and responsibility. In football, perspectives can change quickly," he analyzed.

"My focus is on the team, on the field, and on the next match, which is what I can control," he explains.

"We are all in this together, and we have to get through the not-so-good moments without cracks and with the conviction that the next match is an opportunity. Tomorrow, the emotional connection with the people is very important," he added.

About Manchester City

"We are mentally prepared to face what lies ahead. Everyone is convinced that we can win tomorrow, but we have to play a good game, with rhythm and compete," he explained about tomorrow's match. 

"After the match against Celta, we have drawn conclusions, but now we only think about City. The atmosphere is going to be special, and that's the only thing we have in mind."

"Pep has been at City for 8 years and has evolved, although he maintains very recognizable things. We know what we are going to face and expect a great rival," he analyzed.

And the controversy with Vinicius?

"The situation with Vinicius was a decision of the moment, and if I see on the field that it's the decision I have to make, I have no doubt," he concluded.

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

📸 ANGELOS TZORTZINIS - AFP or licensors