Facing adversity head-on, Xabi Alonso and Real Madrid are navigating a challenging period, but their resolve remains unshaken.
Following a tough Champions League defeat to Manchester City, with a score of 2-1, the pressure is mounting on Real Madrid. This loss, occurring on Wednesday, December 10, 2025, extends their recent struggles, with only two wins in their last eight matches across all competitions. (AP Photo/Manu Fernandez)
Xabi Alonso, the team's manager, expressed his gratitude towards the players for their unwavering commitment, stating, "The players gave it everything they had, and I have nothing to criticize today. I really value their attitude. We have to keep going." He acknowledged the team's current predicament, saying, "Right now the results aren’t as good as we’d like." He also added, "We’re critical, we demand a lot of ourselves, and we understand the fans. We have to keep working hard. We believe we’ll get through this because everything passes, and I’m convinced we can do it."
But here's where it gets controversial... The defeat sparked criticism and even jeers from the crowd at the Santiago Bernabeu stadium. Alonso understands the fans' frustrations, saying, "We can understand why they whistle, and we have to accept it as normal because the demands here are so high." He further expressed his determination to turn things around, saying, "We want to turn things around, improve our mental and physical condition, and get the injured players back. There’s still a long way to go."
Amidst the turmoil, reports surfaced about potential discord within the team. However, key players like goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois and defender Raúl Asencio swiftly rallied behind Alonso, emphasizing the team's unity. Rodrygo's gesture of hugging Alonso after scoring further solidified the players' support for their coach.
Alonso, accustomed to the high-stakes environment of Real Madrid, recognizes that criticism comes with the territory. He stated, "You have to live with it, and when you’re the coach of Real Madrid, you have to be prepared to face it bravely, responsibly and self-critically, knowing that things can change." He also added, "Despite the result, I’ve seen positive things individually and collectively. Other things haven’t gone so well, but we’re still in it."
And this is the part most people miss... Looking ahead, Real Madrid faces Alaves in the Spanish league on Sunday. Currently, they trail leader Barcelona by four points after 16 matches. This upcoming match is crucial for Real Madrid to start their recovery.
What do you think? Can Real Madrid overcome this slump, or are deeper issues at play? Share your thoughts in the comments!
