Under-fire Xabi Alonso says Real Madrid situation can 'change quickly'

NEW DELHI: Under-pressure Real Madrid manager Xabi Alonso said the current situation could turn around quickly as his team prepares for a crucial Champions League showdown against Manchester City on Wednesday. Real Madrid have managed only two wins in their last seven matches across competitions and suffered a 2-0 defeat to Celta Vigo in La Liga on Sunday. Reports in the Spanish media suggest Alonso could lose his job if his side falls to Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City.



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"This is a team, a club, we are united, and when you're Real Madrid coach you have to be ready to face these situations calmly, with unity and responsibility," Alonso told reporters on Tuesday.




"I am really looking forward for what's to come, and that starts tomorrow. We know this can change, from the anger there was (on Sunday), normal, to the excitement about (facing City)...


"For good or bad, things can change quickly in football, your perspective can change, and we're in that moment."


Real Madrid delivered one of their strongest performances under Alonso last week with a 3-0 win over Athletic Bilbao at San Mames but followed it up with a disappointing display against Celta Vigo.


Alonso said his squad believes they can defeat Manchester City and goal machine Erling Haaland at the Santiago Bernabeu to improve their position in the league phase standings, where they currently sit fifth.


"We are mentally ready for what is coming, the team is united, we are all convinced we can win tomorrow," he continued.


"We have to play at a good speed and intensity, we have to compete, of that there is no doubt."


When asked if he had the full backing of the dressing room, Alonso responded with a firm "yes," a statement supported by midfielder Aurelien Tchouameni, who publicly defended the coach.


"In the Vigo game the coach had a good plan, but it's the players who are playing on the pitch," said the France international.


"If we play at our level we have more chance to win games like this, if we lose 2-0 it means we've had a problem on the pitch, intensity, technical errors.


"So it's not the fault of the coach, we have to improve and we will."


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