Real Madrid manager Xabi Alonso has received a vote of confidence from the club’s hierarchy. This comes despite their recent 2-1 Champions League defeat to Manchester City. The critical match took place on Wednesday night.

The loss at the iconic Santiago Bernabeu was a significant blow for the Spanish giants. Nico O’Reilly and Erling Haaland scored for City, overturning an early goal from Rodrygo. Manchester City ultimately secured the victory.

Alonso’s Candid Assessment

After the game, Alonso openly admitted his team lacked mental sharpness. He felt they struggled to cope with City’s intense pressure. “It was a very competitive match with different moments,” Alonso stated. “We started strongly with Rodrygo’s goal and other chances.”

He continued, “But when you are not at your best mentally, they took the lead in ten minutes. It happened from very little, with a corner and a penalty.” The coach also highlighted the team’s resilience. He noted they battled hard despite a growing list of injuries. “The team kept going right until the end,” he added. “They have not lost face despite all the difficulties we are facing, like injuries.”

Mounting Pressure and a Glimmer of Hope

This defeat intensified speculation about Alonso’s future at the club. Earlier reports suggested a potential sacking if Madrid lost to Pep Guardiola’s side again. Tensions were already high at the Bernabeu. Fans had booed the players after a shocking 2-0 home defeat to Celta Vigo last weekend.

However, Spanish outlet Marca reports a different outcome. Real Madrid has decided to give Alonso more time. The aim is for him to stabilize the team’s performance. Their recent form has been poor, with only two wins in their last eight matches across all competitions. This poor run has seen them slide in both La Liga and Champions League standings.

Despite their inconsistent performance, Madrid remains in a Champions League automatic qualification spot. They currently sit seventh in the standings. The top eight teams secure places for next season’s elite European competition.

Crucially, several senior players have publicly backed Alonso. They voiced support in the dressing room after the City loss. They urged the club to maintain faith in the manager. The team continues its search for greater consistency. Real Madrid will next travel to Alaves on Sunday. This La Liga fixture is crucial for them to halt their current slide.