Real Madrid “Consider Xabi Alonso’s Position” After City Defeat
Real Madrid are not currently preparing to part ways with head coach Xabi Alonso in the immediate aftermath of Wednesday’s loss to Manchester City, according to multiple reports.
Following a troubling run of results that highlighted concerns about Alonso’s tactics and man-management, many outlets suggested he could be dismissed if Madrid failed to win at home against Pep Guardiola’s side.
Madrid did force an early lead through Rodrygo, but City recovered to claim victory, dealing Madrid a second consecutive defeat. The visitors struck twice in the opening half through Nico O’Reilly and Erling Haaland, setting the tone for the setback.
Several outlets, including BBC Sport and Sky Sport Germany, indicate Madrid intend to delay a final decision on Alonso’s future until after Sunday’s match at Alavés.
While the loss to City was clearly painful, observers note the overall performance gave hope that the team is moving in the right direction. Madrid controlled 52% of possession and registered more shots on goal than City, but were undone by a goalkeeping error and a late penalty.
The Athletic’s Guillermo Rai writes that nobody in the club’s leadership is openly worried about a single game, especially given Madrid were missing several influential players through injury, notably star forward Kylian Mbappé.
Alonso will therefore get a chance to halt the skid with an away trip to Alavés. The 11th-placed La Liga side present a reachable test for Madrid, who remain heavy favorites to rebound, even as concerns about a looming squad rotation and injuries persist.
In a surprising show of solidarity, several key players publicly backed Alonso after the final whistle, seemingly contradicting rumors of a rift within the squad.
Jude Bellingham spoke passionately in defense of the manager on TNT Sports, stressing that the relationship with Alonso remains strong and that productive internal conversations followed the early run of poor results.
Bellingham said, “100%. I think the manager’s been great. I’ve personally got a great relationship with him, and many of the lads do as well. After the first stretch of games we had constructive talks.” He added that no one is giving up or blaming the coach for the season’s challenges.
Rodrygo also voiced unity, acknowledging earlier frustration with his role but emphasizing that the team must stand together with the coach to achieve their goals.
“I want to show everyone that we’re united with our coach,” he said to Movistar+. “We need this unity to move forward and reach our objectives.”
Goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois confirmed the squad’s support for the boss, while defender Raúl Asencio noted that the dressing room understands Alonso’s message and that the daily atmosphere at Valdebebas remains very positive.
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