Xabi Alonso has insisted that Real Madrid is united “from the president to the players”, denying that a public show of support from the club would help shore up his position as coach.
Alonso was under huge pressure after back-to-back home losses to Celta Vigo and Manchester City earlier this month (ESPN reported that club executives were debating his future), although the team has since recorded wins against Alavés in the league and Talavera de la Reina in the Copa del Rey.
Madrid hosts Sevilla at the Bernabéu on Saturday in their last game of 2025, before the LaLiga Christmas break.
“No, from the beginning, from the first conversations we had, we have had a good and close relationship,” Alonso said at a news conference on Friday, when asked if he would welcome a show of support from the club. “There is trust, respect. With the objectives we have, the demands are high, but it is a long road.”
Alonso's Madrid began the season winning 10 of 11 games in LaLiga, but a run of three consecutive draws in November, followed by defeat at Celta, left them behind rival Barcelona at the top of the table, with a four-point gap heading into this weekend.
“At Real Madrid we know that we always aspire for everything,” Alonso said on Friday. “We know what the final objective is. The way we want to do it is fundamental. We are all united, from the president to the players, to do it as best as possible. That is unquestionable.”
Alonso declined to grade the team on its performance so far this season, saying that “we give grades at the end of the year.”
Madrid have suffered an injury crisis in recent weeks, especially in defence, although Eduardo Camavinga, David Alaba and Ferland Mendy all took part in training on Friday.
“The players have trained today and some will train tomorrow morning,” Alonso said. “Then we will make a final evaluation.”
Alonso denied being worried about Vinícius Júnior's form in front of goal, with the striker failing to find the net in 13 games in all competitions.
“We spoke with Vini, we worked with him,” Alonso said. “It's about games, about moments. It's been close, I don't doubt it will come, let's hope it will be as soon as possible, tomorrow.”
