Alonso addresses Real Madrid rift, future rumours ahead of Man City clash – ‘We’re all in this together’

Xabi Alonso finds himself under intense pressure at Real Madrid as they get set to take on Manchester City in the UEFA Champions League on Wednesday.

The 2-0 loss to Celta Vigo this past weekend has sparked major concern, with the Manchester City clash being touted as the last chance for the manager to steady the ship .

Names of possible replacements for the 44-year-old Basque tactician have also begun doing the rounds, ramping up the pressure on him. Matters are made worse by the incessant rumours of a rift in the locker room and the sheer number of injuries in the squad.

Amidst all this, Alonso addressed the media in his pre-match press conference, discussing the situation at the club.

“It’s a big day, a chance to keep progressing. It’ll be a Champions League night atmosphere. The fans know what kind of match we’re in for,” Alonso said, previewing the Manchester City game tomorrow at the Santiago Bernabeu.

On how he plans to turn things around in his team’s favour, the Real Madrid boss commented:

“We’re mentally prepared to face whatever comes our way. Everyone is convinced we can win tomorrow. We have to play with good rhythm and intensity. There’s no doubt about that.”

Asked for his thoughts on the fact that Real Madrid put in one of the best performances of the season against Athletic Club last week and then turned in an absolute disaster-class vs Celta, Alonso remarked:

“After the Celta game, as always, we drew our conclusions. All we’re thinking about is City, the Champions League. The atmosphere will be different.”

As mentioned earlier, talks of a divide in the locker room have been growing louder at Real Madrid . But when asked if he felt alone in the dressing room, Alonso replied:

“We’re a team, we’re all in this together. When you’re the manager of Real Madrid , you’re prepared. We’re really looking forward to what’s coming, and that starts tomorrow.

“To reverse the anger, which is normal. All we’re thinking about is City. In football, for better or worse, things can change quickly.”

On whether he feels he has the support of the whole squad, he replied: “Yes.”

If he had received any communication from the board room after the defeat to Celta, he added: “Communication is constant, we’re all in this together.”

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

Regarding the rumours of possible candidates to replace him, he added: “When you coach Madrid, you’re prepared for all kinds of situations.”

On his message to the fans amidst this disappointing situation, Alonso noted: “The process is parallel, like ours. I’m sure they’ll get excited as time goes by, just like us.”

The job of managing Real Madrid is not an easy one and comes with a great amount of pressure, something that Alonso acknowledged, saying:

“It’s not about changing, it’s about adapting. I know Madrid very well. You have to adapt and learn. Some days are good, others are not. But we’re making progress with every game. We have to face this situation. To turn it around.”

When asked if he was able to focus on the task at hand amidst all the noise and speculation, the manager replied: “My focus is on the pitch. That’s what I can control, tomorrow’s match.”

On the challenge of facing Manchester City next, he said: “The next one is the best. You have to face it. It’s a challenge.”

“It’s Pep’s team, it’s been evolving. It has new players and things that aren’t so recognisable compared to recent years. It will be a great rival,” he later added.

Alonso was also quizzed about how he and Real Madrid handled the situation of Vinicius Jr.’s angry outburst after being subbed off vs Barcelona and whether he should have done what Liverpool have recently done with Mohamed Salah .

“Those are things they deal with over there,” he said in response.

On whether he would still make that decision today, knowing how things have gone since then, Alonso replied:

“It was a spur-of-the-moment decision. If I see that it’s the right decision to make, I have no doubts.”

Source: AS