Xabi Alonso Faces Shocking Truth: Real Madrid's Ruthless Firing Standards Exposed
Though he escaped dismissal after the loss to Manchester City, Xabi Alonso has allegedly been cautioned that any subpar displays in the coming weeks might be sufficient to cost him his position as Real Madrid's head coach.
Wednesday's midweek defeat was anticipated to conclude Alonso's short stint at the Bernabéu, but club leadership is believed to have departed the match content with both the team's showing and the public backing demonstrated for the manager by several key players.
Focus now shifts to Sunday's clash with Alavés, where any regression could place Alonso's future back in jeopardy, though AS reports that such pressure will persist even following a favorable outcome.
Madrid executives continue to harbor substantial worries regarding the team's trajectory and the gap with supporters—numerous fans jeered the squad off the field against City—and are reported to have determined that wins are the sole factor that will maintain Alonso in his role during the upcoming fixtures.
A convincing victory is anticipated against Alavés, and no difficulties should arise in the Copa del Rey last 32 encounter with third-division CF Talavera. Mid-table Sevilla follows on the schedule, and Madrid leadership considers anything short of three commanding wins from this sequence of matches as unacceptable.
Weak showings or additional expressions of discontent from fans during any of these contests would probably suffice to end Alonso's tenure.
Potential Replacements 'Already Considered'
The Athletic reports Madrid wishes to retain Alonso as manager but harbors considerable concerns about the team's direction and Alonso's evident difficulties in restoring stability.
Importantly, however, there exists a conviction that Madrid's present troubles aren't solely attributable to Alonso. There have been substantial injury problems that have created complications, while worries over the form of star players like Vinicius Junior and Rodrygo clearly existed before Alonso's summer appointment at the Bernabéu.
While Madrid hopes for Alonso to reverse the situation, they have begun exploring backup options. Castilla coach Álvaro Arbeloa is among those viewed favorably.
Previous manager Zinedine Zidane, who maintains strong ties with club president Florentino Pérez, remains a fan favorite but the understanding is that the Frenchman continues waiting for an opportunity to manage his country's national squad.