And another defeat for Xabi Alonso with Real Madrid. Falling with honors against Manchester City (2-1) during the 6th day of the Champions League at the Bernabéu, the capital club is not a team used to losing. Each setback is a challenge to its prestigious history, and less credit for its existing coach. Since his arrival, Xabi Alonso has not convinced many people and the Spanish press is unanimous this morning. His future hangs by a thread next AS.
Some media offered him credit until the Spanish Super Cup (January 7 to 11), then it was reduced to the last three matches of the year against Alavés, Talavera in the Copa del Rey, then the reception of Sevilla FC in La Liga. The word ultimatum was not uttered by management, but that’s just it. The defeats against Manchester City, certainly with players involved but without big ideas in the absence of Mbappé (only 1 shot on target, a first at home in 20 years), and that of Celta especially worry.
A victory or the door
Supporters showed their discontent this week. They are as angry with their coach as with the players wearing the jersey. The only way for Xabi Alonso to maintain his position is to win on Sunday (9 p.m.) at Alavés, and in style if possible. Without this, he will be removed from office, confirms The Chiringuito this night. The show even mentions the many grievances made against the current coach, such as the recurring physical problems since the start of the season.
«Internally, we don’t understand why Xabi Alonso sidelined Pintus. There is a feeling that there was not enough preparation», abounds COPE’s Great Game. We can indeed wonder about the number of injuries since the summer resumption. This weekend, there will be 8 absentees (a doubt exists concerning Mbappé), all forfeits, including many defenders (Dean Huijsen, Eder Militao, David Alaba, Ferland Mendy, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Dani Carvajal), in addition to three suspended including Alvaro Carreras and Fran Garcia. Suffice to say that Xabi Alonso will have to tinker for the match of his survival.
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