Xabi Alonso receives support from Real Madrid legend ahead of crunch Man City tie – “I’m a fan”

As Real Madrid gear up for their crunch Champions League fixture against Manchester City at the Etihad, all eyes will be on Xabi Alonso.

Spanish media has extensively reported that the former Bayer Leverkusen manager could face the axe if Real Madrid fail to secure three points tonight.

The potential sacking could come on the back of several poor results in recent weeks, coupled with the inability to get a grip in the dressing room .

But as speculations intensify over Alonso’s future at Real Madrid , he has received support from a former teammate and club legend, Marcelo .

The former Real Madrid left-back has fiercely come to the defence of Alonso, arguing that Real Madrid are simply going through a tough phase and will bounce back eventually.

Xabi Alonso faces an uncertain future at Real Madrid . (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)

“Real Madrid always comes back. I’ve been through a similar situation myself. People criticize and talk, ” he told El Chiringuito .

Marcelo went on to admit that he is a ‘fan’ of Alonso work and it is only a matter of time before fans and experts alike stop criticising the Spanish tactician.

“I’m a fan of Xabi’s work and it’s just a matter of time before people stop criticizing him,” he added.

Finally, Marcelo suggested that Xabi Alonso should remain as Real Madrid’s head coach and that things will soon improve.

“For me, we have to keep Xabi. I always wish my teammates well. I’m very happy he’s at Real Madrid . It’s just a bad patch and it will pass,” he concluded.

Alonso and Marcelo had shared the pitch at Real Madrid together for five years before the former left in favour of a move to Bayern Munich.