Alonso’s Real Madrid: Pressure Builds After Slump
Real Madrid manager Xabi Alonso finds himself in a precarious position as the team prepares for a crucial La Liga encounter against Athletic Bilbao on Wednesday. Following a string of underwhelming results, including just one victory in their past five outings, speculation about Alonso’s future has intensified. The side’s recent performances include a Champions League loss to Liverpool and draws in league matches against Rayo Vallecano, Elche, and Girona, leaving them trailing Barcelona by a single point at the summit of the table.
Despite a morale-boosting 4-3 win over Olympiacos in Europe, the inability to secure maximum points against Girona has amplified concerns within the club. Sources indicate that some players remain skeptical about Alonso’s tactical approaches, while others defend him, attributing the dip to external factors like a congested fixture list. The upcoming games are viewed as pivotal not only for points but also for restoring the team’s reputation and easing the mounting scrutiny on the coach.
Looking ahead, Real Madrid faces a demanding schedule, including home clashes with Celta Vigo and Manchester City, followed by trips to Alaves and Sevilla before the year ends. Alonso must deliver improved results to quell the doubts, especially with the Bernabeu set to host games again after a temporary absence due to an NFL event. Failure to turn things around could escalate talks about his tenure at the club.