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Real Madrid manager Xabi Alonso is reportedly under intense pressure ahead of Wednesday’s Champions League meeting with Manchester City, with Marca claiming he could lose his job if the team fails to produce a convincing performance.
Tension rose after Madrid’s 2–0 defeat to Celta Vigo at the Santiago Bernabéu, prompting club president Florentino Pérez and senior officials to hold a late-night crisis meeting.
The loss leaves Madrid four points behind Barcelona, despite holding a five-point lead just over a month ago.
Marca reports that the club’s hierarchy expressed concern over the side’s poor form, a growing injury crisis, and what they believe to be unfavourable refereeing decisions in La Liga.
However, the biggest issue is said to be Alonso’s strained relationship with parts of the dressing room, with recent selection decisions reportedly upsetting several key players.
Wednesday’s clash against Manchester City is seen as a defining moment for Alonso, with the club expecting a strong response on the pitch.
The outlet notes that potential replacements have already been discussed, with Zinedine Zidane considered the primary candidate and Jürgen Klopp viewed as a more complicated option given his current sabbatical.
While Real Madrid have issued no official comment on the manager’s future, the outcome of the Champions League tie could heavily influence the club’s plans for the rest of the season, including decisions on coaching and squad restructuring in the summer.
