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Following Real Madrid’s recent defeat to Manchester City, speculation regarding Xabi Alonso’s future at the club has reignited. Reports from the Spanish press suggest that the loss might be a tipping point for the manager, whose team has shown inconsistency over the past month. In their last eight matches, Real Madrid secured only two wins, alongside three defeats. At a club as prestigious as Real Madrid, the pressure on managers is always intense, with a notoriously short leash. However, Alonso is no ordinary manager. He boasts an impressive track record both as a player and as a coach, which complicates the situation.
Does the Loss to Manchester City Threaten Real Madrid’s Position?
While a defeat to Manchester City might seem concerning, it doesn't immediately jeopardize Real Madrid’s standing in either the Champions League or La Liga. The team still has important fixtures ahead, including games against Monaco and Benfica under José Mourinho in the Champions League. Madrid is likely to secure a top-eight spot. In La Liga, Alonso's side sits just four points behind Barcelona. Real Madrid has already defeated the Catalans once this season, and although their recent form sees them earning nine points from the last 18 possible, their scoring slightly underperforms according to expected goals (xG). With improved finishing from key players, such as Kylian Mbappé, the situation could look very different.
Analyzing the City Defeat: Was It Really That Bad?
Wednesday's performance against Manchester City was not catastrophic. Real Madrid conceded over 2.5 xG, but most of that came in a brief, unusual 10-minute spell during the first half, triggered by errors from Thibaut Courtois and Antonio Rüdiger. While these individual mistakes cost the team, they do not, in isolation, warrant a managerial change. Had Brahim DÃaz converted a header or VinÃcius Júnior been more accurate with his bicycle kick, the outcome could have been different. Alonso’s tactical setup has still shown resilience, and a few moments of luck could have turned the tide in Madrid’s favor.
Alonso’s Tactical Approach: Consistent Progress
Alonso has demonstrated solid tactical acumen. Last season, Madrid averaged 1.76 non-penalty expected goals (npxG) and conceded 1.17. This season, these numbers have improved to 1.99 and 1.11 respectively, signaling incremental progress. Even with several key players missing, Real Madrid has performed well under Alonso’s guidance. His methodical approach to the game is gradually shaping the squad into a more efficient and organized unit.
Managing the Dressing Room: Is Alonso's Approach Too Rigid?
Real Madrid is not just about tactics; managing the dressing room is equally crucial. Thierry Henry pointed out on UEFA Champions League Today that Alonso might be focusing too much on coaching and not enough on managing the players. Alonso’s first managerial job at Bayer Leverkusen was marked by a highly disciplined and defensive approach, which took some players by surprise, especially those used to more fluid attacking systems. At Madrid, some players, including VinÃcius Júnior, are still adjusting to Alonso’s more demanding methods, which contrast sharply with the relaxed management styles of Zinedine Zidane and Carlo Ancelotti.
Player Support for Alonso: Does He Have the Backing?
Not all relationships within the squad are strained. Rodrygo publicly backed Alonso after Madrid’s loss to Celta Vigo, stating, "We are with Xabi Alonso. We need this unity to move forward." Similarly, Jude Bellingham and Raúl Asencio have expressed their support for the manager. These endorsements suggest that Alonso’s structured approach has earned respect within the squad. Even if some players have struggled to adjust to his methods, his discipline and tactical understanding have resonated with the majority.
Alonso's Legacy: A Manager with Tactical Mastery and Motivation Skills
Alonso’s legacy as a coach combines sharp tactical intelligence and the ability to motivate his players. At Leverkusen, he instilled a deep belief in his squad, turning them into a confident, disciplined team. If he can replicate that success at Real Madrid, he has the potential to lead the club to sustained success. However, if Real Madrid chooses to part ways with Alonso, it would signal a preference for a coach who can boost morale and manage the media rather than one focused on strategy and tactical growth. Essentially, the club would be replacing a highly analytical manager with someone better suited to maintaining the media narrative and managing internal relations.
Conclusion: Alonso’s Future Remains in the Balance
Xabi Alonso’s future at Real Madrid remains uncertain. While his methods, relationships with key players, and tactical expertise are far from failing, the ultimate decision rests with Florentino Pérez. Whether the Real Madrid president values long-term strategy over short-term media presence will determine whether Alonso remains in charge. For now, Alonso’s future is still up in the air, but his tactical expertise and player backing suggest he’s far from out of options. How the season unfolds will likely determine whether he can continue his journey at the helm of one of the world’s biggest football clubs.
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