Real Madrid coach Xabi Alonso faced the media ahead of a massive Champions League tie against Manchester City, as reported by Softfootball.
Madrid have managed just two wins from their last seven matches, and the recent La Liga 2-0 home defeat to Celta Vigo rattled confidence around the club.
Alonso, when asked about changes needed in the club, insisted that his job is not about changing what Real Madrid stands for but about learning how to live with it; this was revealed by sports expert Fabrizio Romano via his official X account.
He said:
Xabi Alonso on changes needed: It’s not about changing; it’s about adapting. I know Real Madrid very well. Here you have to adapt and learn. But we’re taking steps forward with each match. We have to face this situation and turn it around.
He explained that the demands of Madrid were never a surprise to him. The expectations, the noise, the constant judgement, it all comes with the territory.
According to him, coaching here is about adapting quickly and not trying to rewrite the club’s culture. Some days go well, some don’t, and that’s just the reality of the job. What matters is reacting with the right energy and staying positive enough to push forward.
The Manchester City game at the Bernabéu now carries serious weight. Inside the club, we understand that discussions involving Florentino Pérez and José Ángel Sánchez have reportedly made it clear that another heavy setback could cost Alonso his job.
Even with that hanging in the air, he tried to project unity. He stressed that the team is together in this moment and that every Madrid manager understands the risk before taking the role.
There has also been plenty of outside talk. Reports of dressing room tension, questions about discipline, and debates over some late substitutions have added to the pressure.
Alonso rejected those claims, saying the bond with his players is built on trust, unity, and even affection. He believes communication inside the squad remains strong.
When he arrived in May 2025 as Carlo Ancelotti’s replacement, the mood was hopeful after his success at Bayer Leverkusen.
Early results backed that optimism. But injuries, uneven performances, and growing criticism have slowly changed the atmosphere. Now, Alonso has to regroup and find a quick solution, starting with the Champions League game against Manchester City.
