Speculation has recently intensified regarding Xabi Alonso’s future with Real Madrid, following a series of results that have reopened the debate surrounding the team’s performance. Despite the apparent calm within the management, the atmosphere of tension was palpable, especially given the widening gap in La Liga and Barcelona’s rise in the standings despite their inconsistent form.
With the upcoming match against Manchester City, it was clear that the game was more than just a matter of three points. A heavy defeat could have changed everything, perhaps even forcing a crucial decision that many had been anticipating for weeks. Therefore, all eyes were on Florentino Pérez’s reaction, as he holds the ultimate authority in Madrid’s decision-making process.
Related topics
However, what transpired after the match defied expectations. Despite the loss, the performance wasn’t as disastrous as feared. The match was largely balanced, with Real Madrid clearly capable of securing a positive result had they been more clinical in front of goal and more disciplined in defense.
Sources within the club confirmed that the board closely monitored the game, and despite the disappointment with the result, the prevailing sentiment was quite different from previous weeks. There was appreciation for the performance on the pitch and renewed confidence in Xabi Alonso’s ability to get the team back on track, especially after the players appeared more committed and willing to fight until the final whistle.
However, what happened on the pitch wasn’t the only topic of conversation after the match. The support Xabi received from his players carried a deeper message than what was shown on screen.
Before the match, Tchouaméni spoke with remarkable candor: the responsibility lay with the players, not the coach. Vinicius emphasized that they were “one family fighting for one goal.” Rodrygo’s gesture was perhaps the most expressive of all, as he went straight to his coach to embrace him after scoring the goal.
These gestures didn’t go unnoticed by Xabi Alonso, who seemed deeply moved. After the match, he said:
“I’m very happy for Rodrygo. He’s been through a difficult period where he hasn’t played much, and today he was one of the standout players. His support for me and the fans is crucial, and with this kind of unity, we will change everything.”
According to what was leaked from inside the club, Pérez received these messages clearly, which caused the decision that was expected to be issued after the match to change course completely… to begin a new phase in evaluating the coach’s future within Real Madrid.
