Xabi Alonso’s future at Real Madrid hangs by a thread
The verdict is clear: everything hinges on the next match. The players are behind him, but it's not enough. The squad's physical condition is a cause for concern.
Xabi Alonso’s future hangs by a thread. While his attitude has clearly improved, it wasn’t enough to overcome Manchester City. Nor has the apparent rapport between manager and players in recent matches helped Real Madrid regain their form and fitness. It’s simply not sufficient. Even a Real Madrid team playing at full throttle wasn’t able to overcome a Guardiola side that is far from the powerhouse it once was.
At Valdebebas, the analysis is objective, and what has become clear in recent weeks is that the team is far from peak physical condition—a factor that proves decisive in winning matches, and one that is becoming increasingly problematic. This is an objective reality, as shown by Barcelona, who have outperformed Alonso’s team by nine points in their last five league encounters.
Given this situation, the verdict is unmistakable. Xabi’s future hinges on the next match, then the one after, and finally the last game of the year against Sevilla. Doubt has been lingering for two weeks in the Santiago Bernabéu’s executive offices and shows no sign of dissipating. At this stage, the results will determine whether the long wait for elusive improvement is over and whether a managerial change is imminent. As is often the case, the decision to replace a manager can set off a chain reaction that destabilises everything.
The Bernabéu has shown its claws for the first time this season. What Xabi and his team have offered hasn’t been enough. If there’s one thing the club’s management dislikes—aside from losing—it is fans expressing dissatisfaction with what they see on the pitch. The stands are the ultimate judges of the professionals, and once again that is proving true. The TV programme “Jugones” on La Sexta discussed on Thursday afternoon what Sunday’s match against Alavés could mean, but scrutiny will be constant, no matter what happens in Vitoria. Confidence is in question, as AS has reported.
The word “ultimatum” hadn’t been used until now, but the defeats against Celta and Manchester City have accelerated the process. Alonso may remain in his position, but the club will expect immediate improvements—a difficult task given that the team has rallied behind the coach, yet tangible progress has yet to appear.
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The privileged position Real Madrid held until a month ago is now a thing of the past, as is the team’s physical condition. The pressing question is whether this squad, under this coach, can reverse a situation that has already become deeply concerning. Truthfully, confidence is in short supply. The team must stop the bleeding immediately. The public’s reaction against Vinicius was evident, yet the club maintains faith in the Brazilian, albeit with demands for greater precision, improved performance, and a general enhancement of physical condition—not just from Vinicius, but from the entire squad.
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