Alonso unfazed by speculations over Real Madrid future ahead of Olympiacos clash – ‘I don’t pay attention…’

Less than six months into his stint at Real Madrid , Xabi Alonso finds himself under intense scrutiny, with performances not meeting expectations and rumours of growing dissent in the locker room .

The Spanish tactician has taken the team to the top of the La Liga table and they are in the top-eight of the UEFA Champions League standings as well, but three games in a row without a win has invited immense pressure on the manager.

Given the situation, Wednesday’s game against Olympiacos in Athens becomes extremely crucial for Alonso and Real Madrid .

Leading up to the game, Alonso appeared in front of the media for his pre-match press conference, where he discussed a variety of topics, including his current predicament and the pressure that comes with coaching Real Madrid .

“We need a good game, to taste victory again. We have to play well and stay focused. It’s an important game for qualifying,” said Alonso to kick things off.

Talking about the importance of man-management in a team such as Real Madrid with big names and balancing it with the tactical aspect, Alonso remarked:

“It’s just as important as the footballing aspect, the tactical work and the physical work. It’s fundamental, at Real Madrid as in any team.”

On whether the Real Madrid job is proving harder than he expected, the manager stated: “It’s turning out to be what I expected, a very demanding job. With moments when you need concentration, others when you need to react quickly.

“But I’m enjoying everything, the whole package that it entails.”

On further being pressed about it, he added: “It’s demanding, that’s clear. But I’m certainly not the first coach to have to deal with these situations. They’re not new situations. You have to know how to live with them.

“We have the necessary self-criticism; we’re not happy with the last few matches. But we also see where we stand in La Liga and the Champions League. Putting all that together, I am enjoying it, yes.”

Alonso was asked about his experience so far dealing with the big-name stars at Real Madrid , to which he pointed out:

“They are demanding, they are professional. They have these kinds of situations, but they are what make them who they are. And then you have to be connected with them.”

Under pressure. (Photo by Denis Doyle/Getty Images)

On being asked if he felt that Real Madrid are more of a players’ club than a manager’s club, the manager stated:

“I believe that in every team the most important thing is the players. What’s decisive is the quality of the players, their attitude, how well prepared they are… We support them and we have to be there for them.”

Continuing in the same line of questioning, Alonso was asked if players had the power to undermine managers, to which he replied:

“We have to have a lot of respect for the players. I’m not going to talk about that. I know what locker rooms are like, what you have to go through, and how you have to deal with the external noise. These are situations that can’t make us lose focus.

“The results aren’t what we wanted, we know the consequences, but they can’t take us off the path we want.”

Regarding the doubts about his position just 100 days into the season , he added: “We know the moment it is, and also the situation we’re in in La Liga and the Champions League.

“What worries me is what happens at Valdebebas or tomorrow on the pitch, and I don’t pay attention to the rest.”

On whether he has received any message from the club hierarchy amidst all these speculations, Alonso remarked:

“It’s not necessary. I spoke with the president this morning and I also speak with Jose Ángel. Our daily interactions are what keep us in touch.”

Regarding the fact that Real Madrid have never won in Greece, he noted: “We’ve talked about it. Hopefully we can win tomorrow.”

Concluding, Alonso was asked if the players were having difficulties understanding his methods and tactics, given how the last few matches have gone. In response, he said:

“Not at all. What we talked about is very clear, it doesn’t change that much from game to game. After all, it’s football.”

Source: AS