Xabi Alonso is facing pressure from all directions

Xabi Alonso was anticipated to lead Real Madrid into a new chapter, yet circumstances appear to be opposing him.

Coach Xabi Alonso is currently in a situation described as “very challenging” ahead of the away match at Athletic Bilbao’s San Mamés stadium. Under Alonso, Real Madrid has experienced a disappointing run with only one win in their last five games.

Following the defeat to Liverpool in the Champions League, Real Madrid was held to draws by Rayo Vallecano and Elche before and after the international break. Although Los Blancos temporarily bounced back with a thrilling 4-3 victory over Olympiacos in the Champions League, they slipped again by drawing 1-1 with Girona over the weekend.

At Montilivi, Kylian Mbappé scored a penalty in the 67th minute to equalize after Azzedine Ounahi had put Girona ahead in the first half. However, Real Madrid could not push forward to secure all three points. The draw against Girona caused Real Madrid to miss the chance to reclaim the top spot from Barcelona, who lead them by one point.

Before the win over Olympiacos, reports emerged that a group of Real Madrid players were unhappy with Alonso. According to The Athletic, some players in the dressing room remain “unconvinced” by his coaching methods, although others believe the 43-year-old coach is not to blame for the three consecutive draws.

Sources within the club revealed that Alonso is under significant pressure due to the recent poor performances. The Spanish coach’s inability to control the dressing room is also a major drawback.

The upcoming matches for Xabi Alonso are described as critical both in terms of “results” and “image,” implying that the pressure on Alonso will increase if he cannot show clear improvement. Real Madrid must not only win but also deliver convincing performances, which is very challenging at the moment.

Real Madrid is also at a disadvantage having to play three consecutive away games in La Liga, because the Santiago Bernabeu stadium is being used for an NFL game during the November FIFA break. Alonso’s team is now preparing for their fourth consecutive away match against Athletic Bilbao.

Despite the difficulties, Alonso urgently needs a win during this away stretch to ease the pressure, as Real Madrid will then face a crucial Champions League clash with Manchester City. This match is expected to be extremely tough for the former Bayer Leverkusen coach.

Xabi Alonso understands that if he cannot improve the situation before January, his already shaky position may no longer be secure. This is surely the toughest period since he became head coach.

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