Manager says he has “close relationship” with the club hierarchy, while admitting there are “good” and “not-so-good” times
Xabi Alonso is determined to turn Real Madrid’s fortunes around by the new year as the club prepare to face Sevilla on Sunday.
Madrid are in second place in La Liga, four points behind league leaders Barcelona, even though they were five points clear at the top in October.
A poor run of form in November and December, which included a humiliating home defeat to Celta Vigo, allowed a resurgent Barcelona to overtake them in the title race.
“We want to finish well, it’s been a tough and difficult period,” said Alonso. “We want to start 2026 well. The opposition is tough, they demand a lot, they play one-on-one situations, the players go for the tackle a lot. They’re good with the ball. We want people to enjoy themselves.”
There have been indications his job is on the line, with senior figures at the club, including president Florentino Perez, holding meetings this month to discuss his future. Poor form is part of the charges against him, but there are also concerns that he is not adequately managing the big egos in the dressing room.
Alonso has played down talk of his departure and insisted that all the players are “united” behind him.
Regarding the club hierarchy, the manager said: “From the outset, we have had a close relationship, based on respect and affection. The demands are high. It is a long road, there will be good times and not-so-good times.”
