Xabi Alonso remains confident he can turn things around at Real Madrid – starting tomorrow night against Manchester City – but refused to rule out a future move to Liverpool.
Alonso is under huge pressure at the Santiago Bernabeu with Madrid mired in a miserable run of two wins in seven games in all competitions.
The latest setback came on Sunday when Madrid were beaten 2-0 at home by Celta Vigo and finished with nine men following the dismissals of Fran Garcia and Alvaro Carreras.
The lack of discipline added weight to the rumours Alonso, who joined the club from Bayer Leverkusen prior to the Club World Cup, was struggling to control a dressing room not yet sold on his methods.
The former Madrid midfielder appears isolated and asked if he felt lonely, he replied: “This is a team, this is a club, and we’re all united. When you’re the Real Madrid coach, you have to be prepared to face these situations calmly, with unity, and with the responsibility that I feel, and I’m looking forward for what’s to come and that starts tomorrow.
“We know we can turn this around. From the anger that was there [on Sunday], which was normal, to the excitement that’s being generated thinking about tomorrow. We’re focused solely on City and the Champions League, and this can change quickly. Fortunately, in football, for better or for worse, the vision, the perspective, can shift quickly, and we’re at that moment.
“We’re mentally prepared to face everything that comes our way. At this moment, everyone is convinced that we can win tomorrow, there’s no doubt. I think nobody has any doubts.
“But for that, we have to play a good game, we have to play with good rhythm, with good intensity.”
Alonso suggests he has to change – not Real Madrid
Alonso suggested it was not about him changing the culture of the club and more about him having to alter his methods for them to succeed at a club like Madrid.
He added: “It’s not about changing the culture, it’s about adapting. We knew pretty well the culture of Real Madrid. That’s why it’s the biggest club in the world. You need to adapt to it, you need to learn from it.
“After, there is a process. You need to have this interaction with the players, how we want to perform. Some days are good, some days are not that good. But from every game we take steps. And now we are in this position right now, we have to face it with good energy and positivity – that’s the only way to turn it back and have a better feeling.”
Alonso needs to rectify the situation and quickly if he is to remain in the job but said he was not listening to the reports that have predicted he will be sacked.
“My focus is on the team and on the next match, on tomorrow’s match against City, and that’s what I can control,” he said. “So yes, I am very, very focused on that.
“It’s a big match, a very good opportunity for us to continue progressing with more points in the Champions League, and we know that tomorrow at the Bernabeu there will be a Champions League night atmosphere against a rival that were champions a few years ago. The fans and the players already know what kind of match we are going to have. We hope to play a good match tomorrow.”
Of course there is a bond – Alonso on Liverpool links
Speculation has already started linking Alonso with his former club Liverpool, whose coach Arne Slot is also clinging on to his job due to their poor form.
And the 44-year-old conceded he still harboured feelings for the ailing Premier League champions.
“Of course there is a bond with my former club, but for the moment, this is my place, this is where I want to be. In the future you never know what might happen,” he said.
Madrid are four points behind La Liga leaders Barcelona, but have fared better in the Champions League, winning four of their five games so far.
