Real Madrid Delivers Crushing Verdict on Xabi Alonso's Future Following Man City Humiliation
Real Madrid are not anticipated to dismiss manager Xabi Alonso immediately following Wednesday's loss to Manchester City, according to various reports.
Following a poor stretch of results that highlighted major questions regarding Alonso's tactical approach and leadership style, widespread speculation suggested he would face dismissal if Madrid suffered defeat at home against Pep Guardiola's team.
Though Madrid took an early advantage through Rodrygo, the loss eventually materialized as they conceded two goals in the first half from Nico O'Reilly and Erling Haaland, resulting in their second consecutive defeat.
Multiple sources, including BBC Sport and Sky Sport Germany, indicate that Madrid are willing to postpone any final verdict on Alonso's position until following Sunday's match away to Alavés.
While the City defeat was clearly disappointing, the general view is that Madrid's overall display was encouraging enough to indicate potential improvement ahead. Alonso's team controlled 52% of possession and registered more goal attempts than their rivals, only to be undone by a goalkeeper mistake and a spot kick.
The Athletic's Guillermo Rai reports that no one in the Bernabéu hierarchy is "worried" about the outcome of a match where Madrid were without several key players due to injury, including star striker Kylian Mbappé.
Alonso will consequently receive an opportunity to break the team's losing run with an away fixture against Alavés. Sunday's opponents currently occupy 11th place in the La Liga table and Madrid are strong favorites to return to winning form, despite facing disciplinary issues.
Alonso Receives Huge Outpour of Player Support
Also benefiting Alonso following the City match was substantial proof suggesting speculation about squad divisions regarding his tenure may have been overstated.
The players not only demonstrated complete commitment on the field, but several prominent squad members publicly backed Alonso when addressing reporters after the match concluded.
Jude Bellingham, among those previously linked to tensions with Alonso, delivered such a fervent endorsement of the manager that it led to an on-air apology for his strong language.
When questioned about squad loyalty to Alonso, Bellingham told TNT Sports: "100%. I think the manager's been great. I've personally got a great relationship with him, a lot of the lads do as well. After the first run of games we had some really great conversations internally.
"No one's downing tools, no one's complaining, moaning, thinking the season's over."
Another notable display of backing came from Rodrygo, whose earlier dissatisfaction with his position under Alonso this season was possibly the initial indication of brewing issues.
"Things are not going for us and I wanted to show everyone that we are together with our coach," he told Movistar+. "We need this unity to move on and achieve our objectives."
Goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois confirmed the squad are "behind the boss," while defender Raúl Asencio stated: "All I can say is that the dressing room understands the message Xabi Alonso is conveying, that the dressing room is 100% behind Xabi Alonso, and that the daily atmosphere at Valdebebas is very, very good."