Xabi Alonso arrives at Mendizorroza knowing that it is not just another game. It may be the last. The match against Alavés has become a turning point for the Real Madrid coach, who is risking his continuity on the white bench in a context of sporting emergencies and internal disappointment. There is no room for maneuver. The feeling is that the credit has been consumed and that, Even a victory may not be enough to dispel the doubts of a board that considers that the coach has not managed to convey his ideas to the team or translate them into the game.
The numbers, against you
Real Madrid has only won two of its last eight games and is going through a dynamic that contrasts with the start of the season, when it was five points ahead of Barcelona in LaLiga. In just five days, that advantage became a four-point disadvantage before starting this day (seven now after Barcelona’s victory against Osasuna). Irregularity has established itself in the game and in the classification, and brilliance has rarely appeared.
Attitude is not enough
The defeat against Manchester City was especially revealing. Real Madrid showed attitude, competed during many phases of the game and left feelings that, in the heat, seemed to support the project. However, as the days went by, it was precisely the lack of victory that ended up weighing more. At Real Madrid, attitude is not enough if it is not accompanied by results. That match, far from reinforcing the figure of the coach, accentuated the perception that the team does not finish translating speech into actions.
Every game, a life
The emergencies are evident. Xabi Alonso needs an immediate reaction if he wants to continue leading the team. The calendar gives no respite: Alavés in Mendizorroza, Talavera in the Copa del Rey and Sevilla in the Santiago Bernabéu. Three games in six days that mark the coach’s immediate future. The first, Vitoria, appears to be the most delicate, both because of the setting and the circumstances with which the team arrives.
The problem of casualties
Real Madrid faces the event with up to nine casualties, including injured and suspended. Six footballers remain in the infirmary and three are suspended, a situation that has significantly affected the planning of the game. Pure sides are not available. Fede Valverde aims to occupy the right side, while on the left the options include emergency solutions, including the possibility of making his debut for youth player Víctor Valdepeñasgiven the absences due to suspension of Álvaro Carreras and Fran García and the injury of Ferland Mendy.
Also not available Eduardo Camavingawhich on other occasions has served as a patch to cover shortcomings in the squad. Along with him, Dani Carvajal, Trent Alexander-Arnold, David Alaba and Eder Militao remain out of combat. Endrick is added to the list, sent off against Celta despite being on the bench. An adverse context that forces the call to be completed with Castilla players, a common solution in times of need.
Mbappé returns
In the midst of this scenario, the main positive news for Xabi Alonso is the return of Kylian Mbappé. The French striker, scorer of 25 of the team’s 45 goals this season, is recovering from a severe blow to his knee.
