Xabi Alonso is concentrating on Real Madrid's upcoming Champions League match against Manchester City, despite ongoing speculation about his future. Pressure mounted on Alonso after a 2-0 home defeat to Celta Vigo, where three Madrid players received red cards, including substitute Endrick. This loss left Madrid with only one win in their last four LaLiga games, trailing Barcelona by four points.
Madrid's management reportedly convened to discuss the current situation. In the Champions League, they are fifth, having won four of their first five matches. Amidst uncertainty over Alonso's future, Alvaro Arbeloa from Real Madrid Castilla is considered a potential successor, with Zinedine Zidane and Jurgen Klopp also mentioned as possibilities.
Alonso
remains focused on the upcoming match against Manchester City. "When you're coaching Real Madrid, you're prepared to deal with all these situations, and all I'm thinking about is tomorrow's match," Alonso stated when asked about the rumours surrounding his position.
NEXT MATCH @ManCity 10/12 | 21:00 CET pic.twitter.com/y6Ue4F8Hz8
- Real Madrid C.F (@realmadriden) December 8, 2025
The clash between Madrid and Man City marks their 15th meeting in the Champions League since their first encounter in the 2012-13 season. It has become the most frequent fixture in the competition during this period. This will be Alonso's first managerial face-off with Pep Guardiola.
"This is a team, this is a club, and we're all united," said Alonso. He emphasised the importance of facing challenges calmly and responsibly as Real Madrid's coach. "I'm looking forward for what's to come and that starts tomorrow [Man City]. "
Aurelien Tchouameni expressed support for Alonso, stating that players must do more to help improve results. "We are all with Xabi," Tchouameni said. He stressed that players need to fight alongside the coach and team to win matches.
Players' Role in Turning Fortunes
Tchouameni acknowledged that if they lose matches like the recent 2-0 defeat, it's due to issues on the field such as intensity or technical fouls. "It's not the coach's fault," he added. The midfielder believes players must improve their performance to change their current trajectory.
The upcoming match offers an opportunity for Real Madrid to shift momentum positively in the Champions League. Tchouameni highlighted that players are determined to perform better and secure more points in the competition.
