Xabi Alonso's position as head coach at Real Madrid is now in doubt after the club suffered an unexpected defeat against Celta Vigo.
Real Madrid has just experienced an unforgettable loss to Celta Vigo in the 16th round of La Liga, marking their first defeat against this opponent since May 2014.
This loss not only leaves the Royal Club behind in the title race but also directly increases the pressure on coach Xabi Alonso. According to Spain’s AS newspaper, the upcoming Champions League match is considered a “crucial test” for both Real Madrid and Alonso, as the shocking defeat to Celta Vigo likely hasn’t yet had an immediate impact on his job security.
However, the Spanish strategist faces a tough challenge as he and his players must confront Manchester City, a team currently on a high with three consecutive Premier League wins. Therefore, if Real does not achieve a favorable result at the Bernabeu, Alonso risks losing his position after only six months in charge due to the team's poor performance.
When asked if his position was threatened ahead of the Man City clash, Alonso stated: "We are simply playing for three points in the Champions League. That’s the straightforward goal. We hold a good position in this competition, and that’s what matters. The whole team wants to perform better and play more effectively than we did today. We remain united because this is football. We fully understand the pressure involved. Defeats are always painful, but what’s important is to look forward.
This is a collective responsibility; everyone must share the accountability and strive to improve. We know the points lost are regrettable, but they are not yet decisive."
Currently, Real Madrid has allowed Barcelona to extend their lead to four points in the La Liga title race, despite having started stronger than the Catalan side.
Looking ahead, Alonso and his team will focus on hosting Manchester City in the sixth group stage match of the UEFA Champions League.